ZAGREB (Croatia) - One of the most successful countries in FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament history, Croatia, have announced an outstanding 17-man squad as they prepare to face joint favorites Slovenia and potentially Greece at the OQT in Piraeus.
Dario Saric, the MVP of the Turin OQT in 2016 when Croatia stunned Italy in the Final to reach the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, will attempt to spearhead another run to glory for his country.
Saric, 30, averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists to lead Croatia to victory at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament 2023 Türkiye last summer. He had 22 points and 11 boards in the 84-71 triumph over Türkiye in the Final.
Mario Hezonja, another member of the 2016 team, is in the group. He, too, was vital last summer, averaging 15.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game at the OPQT in Türkiye. Another member of last year's team who was pivotal and remains so is center Ivica Zubac. The 2.16M (7'1") center not only contributed points (16.0 per game) and rebounds (8.4 per game) but also rim protection, with 1.8 blocks per game.
He swatted three shots in wins over Belgium and Sweden in the Group Phase and rejected two more in the Semi-Final victory over Ukraine.
"I can say that my entire staff and I are looking forward to the preparations, all the players on the list are ready and can't wait to start," Croatia coach Josip Sesar said.
"We know it won't be easy, but working in the Croatian national team always has a special place in my heart, connects and brings extra strength."
Croatia will launch their preparations June 10 in Zagreb, although Saric, who last played for Golden State, and Los Angeles Clippers pivot Zubac, due to NBA rules, won't join until a week later when the team is working out in the beautiful town of Opatija on the Adriatic coast.
Croatia will have warmup games against Poland (June 23) and Brazil (June 26).
Their first game at the OQT in Piraeus is against Slovenia on July 2, and they face New Zealand on July 3.
Croatia also clinched a spot at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 by claiming a spot at the 12-team OQT in Athens, along with Greece and Germany.
When hosting the Split OQT in 2021, however, Croatia lost to eventual winners Germany in the Semi-Finals.
FIBA