Cro-šarka Books Ticket To OQT In 2024!

After missing the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Croatian basketball has made a return to the final round of Olympic qualifiers after defeating Turkey in the pre-qualifiers tournament. Croatia got to the final against Turkey by winning their group and defeating the likes of Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands. These three wins saw them top their group and face Ukraine in the semi-finals, a game they won 85-70. The Croatian basketball team is led by NBA players Dario Šarić and Ivica Zubac, who respectively play for the Warriors and Clippers. Mario Hezonja, a former 5th overall draft pick in the NBA, was also key to this Croatian run towards winning the tournament.

In the final, Croatia faced a quality Turkish side who were hosting the tournament. With all eyes in Istanbul on favorites Turkey, our Croatian boys thrived in the underdog role just like Croatian sports always has. Croatia entered the 2nd half with a large lead in Istanbul, leading 48-29. While Turkey did lead a small comeback in the 2nd half, Croatia comfortably won the game 84-71. Dario Šarić led the charge with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Mario Hezonja had a strong game with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Ivica Zubac barely missed out on having a double-double, putting up 8 points and 10 rebounds as Croatia’s big man in the center. Furkan Korkmaz was the only real threat to Croatia on the Turkish side as the 76er’s player put up 19 points and 3 assists.

Croatia’s upset win lands them a chance to get back to the Olympics in basketball for the first time since 2016. The next qualifying rounds are set to take place early in 2024 before the Olympics begin. Hopefully we can get behind them and see them reach the Olympics once again!