By Ruben Alcaraz

 

Eurohopes followed Dario Saric ('94), of KK Zagreb, during his game against FMP Belgrade this morning at Euroleague's Nike International Junior Tournament final round, held in Barcelona (Spain). Wearing Nike KDIII started very agressive in both sides of the court, shooting from the arc, forcing a charge and hitting strong lay ups. Saric can drive the fastbreak and dishes the assist. At the end of first quarter, with KK Zagreb down at the score, croatians started to play Saric-system. He does everything in offense and rest a few in defense. Everytime he faces his defense gains an adventage to finish or to open the ball for shooters. With his team playing with small guys, they search Saric at low post, where he is unstoppable for serbians. He has touch but need to improve it. At one minute to go to halftime he makes his third foul. Zagreb lost 41-30 at halftime with the forward having 6 points, 2 rebounds, 4 dimes and 1 steal.

 

At the beginning of the second half Saric and his team strongly motivated overcome the difference quickly. Saric is a wall on defense, stealing a couple of balls. He is still the playmaker, driving the offense, dishing assists and hitting shots. At the end of third quarter KK Zagreb dominates 50-54. Saric shows his winning personality and because is the number one at Eurohopes'94 ranking. Getting buckets and dishing dimes he is unfairly eliminated by fouls with 5 minutes remaining in the clock and KK Zagreb up by 12. At the bench, stand up, he celebrates every point of his teammates. Dario Saric ended with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals and 22 of efficiency in the win over FMP (65-86).

 

Photo: Ruben Alcaraz / Eurohopes