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30 August, 2014
14 September
Damjan Rudez (CRO)
07/07/2014
News
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CRO - Rudez shoots his way into the NBA

ZAGREB (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The confidence was there for all to see last year in Slovenia, when Damjan Rudez played for Croatia at EuroBasket 2013.

A player with an exquisite shooting touch, the 2.07m forward arrived in Celje for Group C games and saw his place in the side grow in importance as Croatia clinched a surprise fourth-place finish to seal a spot in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Now, after a second straight productive season with CAI Zaragoza, Rudez has the opportunity to play in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers.

His agent, Giorgos Dimitropoulos (@DimitropulosOCT), tweeted: "Deal is reached for 3 years. We d like to thank @Pacers management for the trust. Its an honour for Damjan to play for legendary Larry Bird (now Pacers President)...but it's time for Damjan to take a big step. He has the quality to play in the NBA & will give his best with a great franchise like @Pacers."

Before running onto the court for the Pacers in the NBA, Rudez will suit up again for Croatia at the World Cup in Spain.

Croatia will play in Sevilla against Group B opponents Argentina, Greece, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Senegal.

After a couple of games at last year's EuroBasket, Rudez didn't appear to have an important role with Croatia.

He saw just 13 minutes of action in the team's 68-40 blowout loss against Spain and then didn't get off the bench the next day in a 77-76 win over Georgia.

But coach Jasmin Repesa, looking for a spark from the bench, called on Rudez two days later against Poland and was rewarded.

With a determined look in his eye, Rudez entered the contest and promptly buried three shots from behind the arc in a 74-70 Croatia triumph.

Against hosts Slovenia and in a hostile atmosphere, Rudez played 28 minutes and buried a couple more three-balls en route to eight points as the Croatians sprung a 76-74 upset.

In the next round of the competition against Finland, Rudez caught fire in 23 minutes, making five of eight shots from the arc and scoring 17 points in an 88-63 Croatia win.

He was vital to the cause the rest for the remainder of the tournament.

After the event, Rudez spoke to FIBA.com about how important the experience in Slovenia had been for him.

"It meant a lot because being on that main stage of the European Championship and playing well with my teammates, representing my country and playing well - it really boosted my confidence," Rudez said.

"I'm really satisfied with how I played that tournament and transferred some of that confidence into this season (with CAI)."

Rudez has already impressed one of his Pacers teammates with his shooting.

Indiana guard George Hill also took to twitter to express his delight about Rudez.

With his @George_Hill3 account, he tweeted: "What up #PACERNATION  Everyone Go Welcome @Damjan_Rudez Watched His Workout FlatOutShooter."

FIBA