SLO - Dragic takes his game to new heights

PHOENIX (NBA) - Slovenia's Goran Dragic couldn't go anywhere this year in his homeland during EuroBasket 2013 without someone asking him for something.

After opening round games in Celje, where Dragic and Slovenia played in front of packed arenas against the Czech Republic, Spain, Georgia, Croatia and Poland, reporters wanted his comments.

Fans shouted his name constantly.

The supporters continued to cheer him on once the tournament moved to Ljubljana, and journalists also hung on his ever word.

When he showed up with the Slovenia national team to watch the U18 All-Star Game late on 21 September, fans, mostly children and teenagers, ran to the bottom of the stands to get as close as possible to Dragic and in the end, he signed autographs instead of taking in the basketball action.

After leading his country to a fifth-place finish at the EuroBasket, Dragic earned a place in the All-Tournament Team.

The way he is playing right now in Phoenix with the Suns, Dragic can expect the same sort of attention when he arrives in Spain for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The 27-year-old is one of the hottest players in the NBA.

He has helped Phoenix bounce back from a dismal season to post 14 wins in their first 23 games of the 2013-14 campaign.

The Suns are sixth in a Western Conference that is packed with excellent sides and Dragic is averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game.

In his last five games, Suns' victories over the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Golden State Warriors, Dragic is averaging 22.8ppg.

Once reluctant to take the open jump shot, he is no longer.

A lot of those jumpers are falling, too.

Dragic, best known for his ability to drive and attack the basket, is shooting better than 54% inside the arc this season.

"He's got the whole package and that's what makes it difficult for guys to guard him," said Phoenix coach Jeff Hornacek, a great jump shooter himself during his days with Phoenix.

"They don't know what to take away."

Dragic caught the eye early in his career with his blazing speed in transition and hounding defense.

At EuroBasket 2007 in Spain, he played an average of more than 25 minutes per game under former Slovenia coach Ales Pipan.

He was set to be a dominant player for his country at EuroBasket 2009 in Poland before getting hurt and missing his team's last five games.

Following solid performances at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey and EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania, Dragic did everything for Slovenia this year.

Working on his all-round offensive game is paying dividends.

"Before, even if they backed off, I was still going to penetrate," Dragic said to the Arizona media.

"Now, I take an open shot. If it's a big guy, I try to penetrate. I step back. Mid-range."

While he is showing in the NBA a willingness to shoot, Dragic also continues to also put the ball on the floor and drive hard to the basket.

It has helped that Phoenix now have Eric Bledsoe in the team.

His presence allows Dragic to play more off-guard.

The two players have jelled and been caused headaches for opponents.

There is a long way to go this season for Phoenix, but the prospects look very good with Dragic taking his game to new heights.

FIBA