Dario Saric cuts down the nets at the 2012 U18 European Championship. Playing with good friends Mario Hezonja and Dominik Mavra, Saric hopes to win the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship.
Croatian star Dario Saric admits he still has a lot of work to do on his game and the 19-year-old is considering pulling his name out of the 2013 NBA Draft but will definitely stay in Europe if selected on June 27.
Those looking for Saric to appear at the Draft in just over three weeks will be disappointed as he will actually be playing at the 2013 U19 FIBA World Championship in Prague. Croatia will actually be playing against Korea on June 27.
When asked on the Taking The Charge podcast if he plans on watching the draft, Saric said: “I don’t know. I have a game. I will have to read about it later.”
Saric said he expects to be drafted in the first round – which would be a dream.
“In this moment, I don’t know. I expect the first round … It’s like a dream. All the players in the world and for me the draft is a dream for me.”
Still, the Sibenik native is considering redrawing his name from the draft – which must be done by June 17.
“I don’t know. In this moment maybe my name will be put out (withdrawn) in this draft. I must talk to my agent and make a decision,” said Saric.
When asked why he would pull his name out, he added: “I don’t know … I might not be ready at this moment.”
Saric, however, knows one thing is certain – he will be spending the 2013-14 season in Europe.
Q: Would you go to the States next season if you’re drafted?
A: I would try to stay here in Croatia.
Q: That doesn’t matter where you’re picked. You plan on coming back next year?
A: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Q: To continue to work on your game?
A: Yeah
Saric had an up and down season in 2012-13 but has been finishing strong, averaging 15 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 58 percent in the Croatian semi-final playoffs against Jolly. After two games in the finals, Saric was averaging 14 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.5 blocks while shooting 44 percent against Zadar.
“Right now, it’s a lot better than about four months ago. I am playing really good right now. I know I played really bad this season but I expect to fix this in the playoffs,” said Saric.
When asked what he needs to do in his game, he added: “My game must grow up in every level of basketball. I must work a lot on my shot.”
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