By Joan Danés

 

Jasmin Repesa knows all around Croatian basketball. That’s why we contacted the current coach of Cedevita. What does he think about Dario Saric, Mario Hezonja, Jusuf Nurkic and other prospects? In this interview for Eurohopes the experienced coach explains what is in his mind. Let’s go.

 

-Mr. Repesa, how do you see the Croatian youngsters?
There are many talented youngsters in Croatia. They have to develope their talent by working hard in order to become the highest profile players.

 

-How do you work with the prospects in the national teams?
All prospects have their summer National team programs and it’s there where they should improve their individual characteristics and not only make results for the National team.

 

-When do you think you will have another generation like the 60s or 70s?
I think that Croatia has big talents in generations from ’94 to ’98 but it’s our responsability to develope them and give them possibility to become such players.

 

-You have a lot of experience in many countries. How do you compare the Croatian prospect with the rest of places?
There are prospects everywhere but in this moment, I think, that their concentration in Croatia is pretty high.

 

-What is the future of Croatian basketball (NT and domestic league)?
Unfortunately the domestic league is weak at the moment as a consequence of the bad economic situation in the country. The National team is ready to use its prospects and it could be a bright future for basketball, generally.

 

-What is your opinion of these players?
Dario Saric: outstanding understanding of the game, ready to play different positions in team and always a real competitor. Has to improve his body.

Jusuf Nurkic: plays for Bosnian National team and Cedevita, very talented, began playing basketball very recently, he could be a bery modern high player who could play back to the basket and facing the rim. He just misses some experience.

Mislav Brzoja: I follow him less because he is playing in NCAA. A real competitor, has improved his strength in the USA but should play more.

Mario Hezonja: fisically extremely talented, great shooter and opened court player. Needs more minutes on the court.

Lovro Mazalin: plays in my team and I think that it’s very useful for him. Extremely mature for his age, great passer and understanding of the game. Can cover several positions.

Dragan Bender: high level talented player, it seems like he was born with ball. Has to improve his shoot.

Matej Gasper: has a huge talent but has to improve his body to be able to give his best.

Marko Arapovic: if he manages to improve his body to a certain level, there are no limits for him with all his talent.

 

-Will be in the future another Tony Kukoc or Drazen Petrovic?
There is a talent for Kukoc or Petrovic but the question is if it will be developed.

 

Photo: Novosti.rs

 

Twitter of the author: @joandanes