Who Is Zoran Dragic? Can Luka Doncic and Suns Debutant Push Slovenia to Glory?

Team Slovenia have entered the 2023 FIBA World Cup on a mission. After losing out to The Boomers for the Olympic bronze medal in 2021, the team looks more determined than ever to bring glory to their nation. Their superstar guard Luka Doncic has shouldered the hopes of Slovenia, displaying his greatness on the international stage yet again. However, he is joined by an intriguing figure on the court in Slovenian colors.

Luka Doncic has put up phenomenal numbers in the FIBA World Cup while leading his team to a commanding position in the tournament. However, Team Slovenia’s Zoran Dragic has also proved his worth on the team so far. If you have seen a certain someone resemble the Slovenian legend Goran Dragic on the court, it’s this man right here. But who is this 6’5 Slovenian guard?

Who’s Luka Doncic’s teammate, Zoran Dragic?

Team Slovenia’s starting shooting guard Zoran Dragic is the younger brother of the national legend, Goran Dragic. Zoran began his professional career as a mere 15-year-old when he joined Ilirija, a Slovenian 1B League. He then transitioned to Janče STZ of the Slovenian D2 League for a year before signing with Geoplin Slovan of the Slovenian League. He went on to play for a total of 6 years in the Slovenian league.

His impressive performances in the Slovenian leagues earned him a spot on the Houston Rockets‘ Summer League roster in 2012. After failing to make the regular season roster, he signed with Unicaja Málaga of the Liga ACB. He initially signed a two-year deal in 2012 but extended it for two more seasons later on. His performances again impressed scouts, landing him a position on the Phoenix Suns roster in 2014.

Goran and Zoran famously scripted history alongside Marcus and Markeiff Morris during Zoran’s Suns stint. They marked the first time in NBA’s history that two different pairs of brothers played together for the same team at the same time. While Goran Dragic made a mark for himself with Miami Heat earning All-Star nods, Zoran had to return to Slovenia.

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Dragic played for many clubs upon his return to the Europe but his most memorable moments came as part of the Slovenian national side. He had a breakout season in 2014 FIBA World Cup that also prompted his Suns selection. Now, can Dragic lend his support to Doncic in their quest for gold?

Dragic and Doncic have a shot at making history

Luka Doncic has often stated that Goran Dragic is his idol and a national hero. The two have played alongside each other in several national tournaments, bringing great pride to their nation. Now, the Dallas Mavericks superstar has an opportunity to make history alongside his idol’s brother, Zoran Dragic.

Team Slovenia have comfortably secured a place in the knockout stages of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Now, the team has an opportunity to bag their first ever medal in the prestigious tournament. Luka Doncic has carried his NBA brilliance to the international stage, putting up 26.4 PPG, 6.8 APG and 7.4 RPG, much like his NBA stat lines. On the other hand, Dragic too has impressed with his 6.4 PPG and 3 RPG.

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Although their individual performances have led their team to a commanding position, Doncic and Dragic have a long road ahead. The quarter-final has been Team Slovenia’s highest ceiling in the previous competitions. If they get through to the semi-finals of the tournament, the team would have already scripted history with their first ever appearance at that level. However, the Slovenian contingent seems determined to go all the way to clinch the 2023 FIBA World Cup title.