Dario Saric is gearing up for the ‘Olympic Games’ mission, speaking ahead of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament to Meridian Sport.
The Croatian player, alongside Mario Hezonja, is a leader of this team aiming to reach Paris. However, he is cautious in his assessment.
“You always think that moment has come. We always think we’re better than we were last year. But now, it’s most important for us to stay grounded, to go possession by possession, game by game, to help each other on the court. And then, whatever happens—happens.
That’s how it is in basketball—you think you’re there, close, and then you lose by one possession and everything starts going in the wrong direction. And it continues. For us, it will be great if we can make it to the Olympic Games, or next year qualify for the European Championship, but that won’t happen unless we give 100 percent in every game,” Dario Saric began.
The guy from Sibenik has been in the NBA for some time now, and he was asked if he’s considering a return to Europe. His response sparks imagination.
“Of course. I played EuroLeague wearing Anadolu Efes jersey for two years. Of course, sometimes I miss those times, it’s a high level of competition, different basketball, more intense. One day it probably happens, I just don’t know when. Maybe sooner rather than later, or maybe later rather than sooner. I don’t know. But of course, that option is in my mind.”
Finally, he reflected on Dejan Milojevic, whose tragic and premature death deeply affected the Golden State Warriors power forward.
“A really good man, a great man. He was a terrific mentor to me… We knew each other for three-four months and I can’t recall a single bad thing. His basketball knowledge, his friendship with everyone, was on another level. It was very tough, for the team, for me, but of course, above all for his family. He knew how to talk to people, how to make a drill in practice more interesting for others. He knew…”