CRO – Tomic on verge of stardom ahead of Turkey

MADRID (2010 FIBA World Championship) – There is plenty to be excited about for those who call themselves fans of Croatian basketball.

A new man is in charge of the national team, with Josep Vrankovic having been appointed coach following the resignation of Jasmin Repesa after EuroBasket 2009.

And the country is almost certain to have a new star in the low post in the shape of 7ft 2in Ante Tomic.

The 23-year-old has looked like the real deal ever since his move to Real Madrid from long-time club KK Zagreb three months ago.

There were some who wondered if he would be able to adapt to life in Spain, and the extremely physical ACB.

"It's hard because this is the first time I have left home and my country,” Tomic admitted.

"I have been here three months and so far, things have gone well.”

Tomic has been so effective in the ACB – arguably Europe’s top league - that he’s been shortlisted for the coveted ACB Revelation of the Year award.

After finding his feet in the early weeks, the center has become one of Madrid’s biggest offensive threats.

In 11 ACB games, Tomic has averaged 11 points.

He was influential in the Euroleague as well, pouring in 22 points in Madrid’s quarter-final Game 2 win over Barcelona and 23 in the Game 3 defeat.

“It's a great satisfaction and an honor,” Tomic said.

“I am very happy to be on this shortlist.”

Comparisons with greats

Tomic has been so prolific since his arrival from KK Zagreb that he’s been likened in Spain to their national team star, 2006 FIBA World Championship MVP Pau Gasol.

It’s not a comparison that he welcomes.

“I don't like that because he is a great player, probably the best in Europe,” Tomic said. “I only hope that one day they can compare me to him, but not yet."

Croatia have had some true greats like Drazen Petrovic and Toni Kukoc.

Tomic could eventually be one too, if he continues to work under Madrid boss Ettore Messina, one of the best coaches in the world.

Selected by the Utah Jazz with the 44th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Tomic is under contract with Real Madrid for three years.

When he’ll be ready for the NBA remains to be seen.

Everyone expects Tomic to make his debut for Croatia's senior team at the FIBA World Championship this August in Turkey, where they will go up against the United States, Slovenia, Brazil, Iran and Tunisia in Group B.

"It has been a great year for me,” Tomic said.

“I have played well with Zagreb and I arrived to a great team like Madrid.

“I now hope to play each time better and prove to everyone that I am a worthy player for Real Madrid. "

FIBA