By Rafal Juc
After first three days of U17 World Championship the hottest name in Kaunas is undeniably Mario Hezonja ('95). MVP of last summer’s U16 European Championship missed almost all last season due to injury and illness, starting practicing only 2 months before the tournament. Even being incapable to compete at full speed, Croatian talent is surprisingly dominant. 2011 year was extremely successful for Hezonja, while smooth swingman won with KK Zagreb Nike International Junior Tournament title, gold medal at U16 European Championship with Croatian national team and presented himself at U19 World Championship. It makes Hezonja one of the hottest name in youth European generation. However, season 2011/12 was quite setback for 17-years old prospect, who firstly lost most of year due to serious ankle injury and then was recovering from mononucleosis.
Hezonja, who back to practices less than 3 months before U17 World Championship was expected to arrive to Kaunas in weak shape, especially that played only 4 friendly games after so long break. Nonetheless, already in first quarter against Argentina talented Hezonja showed that there is no sign of injury in his attitude, coming to the game determined. In only 10 minutes he scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
"He had a lot of problems with his illness over the last seven months. It’s amazing that he can play like this. This really shows us that he is a real leader and fighter for this team", said to media Croatian coach Ante Nazor. While American as well as Australian players impresses with athleticism and more than average size and Koreans are nailing threes on high percentage rate, Hezonja is natural-born talent with big understanding and flow to the game. After 3 games he is averaging 19.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1 assist, leading Croatia to 3-0 record and first place in group B. However, it’s not his maximum.
"The recovery is going good. I’m still recovering. I can’t run the whole game. I need to take breaks. But I feel good. I need to be 100 per cent but I would say I am about 75 per cent. I need to improve that" admitted Hezonja, who at this moment is clear-cut candidate to MVP title. Standing at 6-7 Croat possesses great size to play on shooting guard position, while he saw also couple of minutes as small forward. Hezonja possesses incredible body-coordination, mobility as well as explosiveness. He displays ability to get low with his dribble and is beating opponents off the dribble easily, being really competitive above the rim. Even though he struggles beyond the arc, Hezonja shows brilliant shoot mechanics, bookish technique and deep range, including NBA 3-point line. He has put less effort in off-ball game and defense, however it is probably caused by lack of perfect shape. Will Hezonja repeat success from last summer’s European Championship and lead Croatia to another title, being named MVP?
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Photo: FIBA.COM
