When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Ivica Zubac in the 2016 NBA Draft, only a few within USA basketball circles knew his name. But since then, the 7’1“ center has made a name for himself, primarily in LA, showcasing his skills and proving that he can compete at the highest level. However, his story isn’t just about basketball at the Lakers and Clippers; it’s about his unique cultural blend as well!

Where was Ivica Zubac born? What is the Clipper star’s nationality?

Ivica Zubac was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is of Croatian descent and is deeply connected to his roots. Ivica grew up in the town of Čitluk, located near the eastern border of Croatia. Coming from the Balkans, Zubac holds dual citizenship. It is relatively common. The complex history, with shifting borders, overlapping ethnic groups, and political changes, has led to a lot of internal conflicts within the region. Numerous relatives of Zubac fought in these wars in an effort to protect their land and cultural identity. Details about the hoopster’s religion, though, are unclear because he has never spoken about his religious beliefs in public.

“People are still feeling like it’s war,” Zubac once said. “Croatians hate Serbians and Serbians hate Croatians. They don’t want to talk to each other.” However, in his experience, basketball unites people, and he mentioned kids back home love playing a sport, whether it’s soccer, tennis, handball, or volleyball. Sports, in general, serve as a powerful way to build community and togetherness. Ivica has played for various teams, proving that sports are beyond differences, emphasizing brotherhood and team spirit above all.

Has Ivica Zubac represented the Croatian National Team? 

While Ivica Zubac’s athletic journey led him to the global stage, he has proudly represented Croatia in various age groups. He played for the Croatian junior national team during the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. In 2015, he played at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, averaging 15.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game. Additionally, Zubac showcased his talent on the international stage in the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Greece, where he averaged a healthy 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, earning All-World Championship Under-19 Second Team honors from EuroBasket (website).

“A lot of scouts told me that if I stayed one more year in Europe, I’d be in the top 10, for sure. But I told my agent my dream was to play in the NBA, in the best league against the best players.” As Ivica Zubac is on his way to prove himself in the NBA, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where one comes from or the obstacles, the future is shaped by ambition, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams. The hoopster’s story continues to inspire young athletes from all walks of life!