Dario Saric shines in his return to Europe with Croatia

Eleven years after his exploits at EuroBasket 2015, Dario Saric hasn’t lost any of his magic. Against Germany, world champions and reigning European champions, the Croatian power forward demonstrated that he still possesses that exceptional court vision that propelled him to the NBA. Grabbing the rebound, launching the fast break, and delivering an assist nobody saw coming: the Saric style in all its splendor.

A triumphant return to Zagreb after a decade in the NBA

For his first game in Zagreb since 2015, Saric delivered a majestic performance with 23 points, 7 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 26, the best on his team. Alongside Mario Hezonja (21 points), he led Croatia to a 93-88 victory over Germany, allowing his country to take the lead in Group E with a perfect 3-0 record.

« I may be biased, but I also believe I’m being realistic. Dario Saric would represent a lot for any team in Europe and in the world, and he represents a lot for us too. As a player, basketball player, human being, competitor, from every angle », declared Croatian coach Tomica Mijatovic.

This performance marks a new chapter for Saric, who just concluded a ten-year NBA career. Having played for Philadelphia, Minnesota, Phoenix, Oklahoma City, Golden State, Denver, Sacramento, Chicago and Detroit, he was released by the Pistons on February 9th.

EuroLeague in his sights for the future

At 31, the Croatian captain isn’t closing the door on a return to Europe. « It could have been better, but it could have been worse too. In any case, I’m satisfied with my NBA career, but now I’m looking forward to other things in the future, other options that are coming soon. I’m 31, I hope I can still play at a high level, like in EuroLeague« , Saric told Croatian media.

The national team remains his absolute priority. With Croatia undefeated at 3-0 in the qualifications for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, Saric could be the key man to end a drought that has lasted since 2014, the year of their last World Cup participation. After missing the Paris 2024 Olympics and EuroBasket 2025, Croatia seems to finally be regaining its ambitions with the return of its master playmaker.