CRO - Memorial centre for Drazen The Great

ZAGREB (FIBA) - The Drazen Petrovic Memorial Museum is now open in Zagreb.
 
Drazen, who led Real Madrid to European Cup glory in 1989 before making his mark in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets and Portland Trail Blazers, tragically died in a car accident in 1992 at just 28 years of age.

The museum is divided into five sections - one for Sibenik, Zagreb, Madrid, the NBA and Croatia - which contain jerseys, trophies, awards, videos, photos.

Drazen's colleague and friend, Stojko Vrankovic, said at the opening of the museum: "I would like to thank all those involved in creating this place, so children would be able to learn more about 'basketball Amadeus'".

Mirko Novosel, a legendary former Yugoslavia and Croatia coach), and Zlatko Matesa, the Croatian Olympic Comittee chairman, were present.

So was his brother, Aleksandar, a former player and coach.

In a tribute, Aleksandar said: "I think that what Drazen did for Croatia is priceless and ever lasting."

"He does deserve it for all he gave us," said Petrovic's mother, Biserka.

Sanader and mayor Milan Bandic announced that the sculpture of Drazen is to be made and installed before the museum soon.

Drazen Petrovic was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

By PA Sport