SLO - Zoran Dragic and the desire to get better

MALAGA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Many basketball players never have the opportunity to represent their countries in the international arena.

Even less get a chance to do so in front of their home fans.

But last year, Zoran Dragic did both when Slovenia hosted the EuroBasket, a tournament that lasted nearly three weeks.

A vital part of a Slovenia side that was coached by the great Bozidar Maljkovic, Zoran played big minutes in Celje, where the squad had its opening round games, and then in Ljubljana.

"It was unbelievable, especially because it was in Slovenia because we had never hosted a European Championship," he said to FIBA.com.

"It was very emotional for me and all of my teammates.

"We had a very good team, a very good coach."

The Slovenians also had a crowd that was amazing.

Night after night, the fans packed the arena to cheer them on and help them clinch fifth place, which was good enough to secure a spot at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Zoran and the Slovenians were never short of support.

There was pressure to win games.

"It was pressure, but good pressure," Zoran said.

"We had six players on the court because of the crowd.

"It's a little bit easier to play and the referee looked at you different."

He was outstanding from start to finish.

Zoran was second on the team only to his brother, all-tournament selection Goran Dragic, in total minutes (259), points (117) and steals (nine).

His rebounding total of 58 was second on the team only to center Mirza Begic (62).

The 1.96m shooting guard/small forward, who loves to get out on the fastbreak, shot 49.2 percent (32 of 65) from inside the arc and a credible 31 percent (nine of 29) beyond it.

He had his best game when Slovenia needed it most, a Classification Round contest with Serbia that Slovenia won to qualify for Spain 2014.

Coming off the emotional low of a Quarter-Final defeat to France, Zoran scored 23 points, corralled nine rebounds and came up with two steals.

He played as many minutes as he did because he contributed in so many ways, including one area where there is no statistic - floor burns.

"I'm trying to improve every year and to be an all-round player," he said.

"I'm working on everything, my dribble, more on my shot, I'm trying to be a complete player.

"I was just happy to play for the national team, to have that opportunity at home."

There is a lot of attention on his brother, Goran, who is having the best year of his career with the Phoenix Suns.

Making it to the NBA to join him isn't what Zoran is focusing on.

"I don't think about that (NBA) because I am trying to finish the season very good, trying to make the playoffs (in Spain with Unicaja Malaga) and compete for the title, so we'll see.

"I'm not under contract for next year but I have the possibility to sign on for two more years - a 2+2 (contract).

"Playing in Spain is one of the best leagues in Europe so it's good for my career. I'll have to see what happens this summer."

Zoran is enthusiastic about this summer with Slovenia.

Then team will compete in Group D of the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Gran Canaria against Lithuania, Australia, Angola, Mexico and Korea.

"We no longer have Bozidar Maljkovic, but (coach Jure) Zdovc," he said.

"Now we'll have young players knocking on the door, so we'll see. We'll have young players coming with some older ones.

"I hope that everybody is going to come."

FIBA