SRB - Rebraca announces retirement
VALENCIA (FIBA) - Zeljko Rebraca, the most valuable player of the 1998 FIBA World Championship in Athens after leading Yugoslavia to the gold medal, has announced his retirement. Rebraca, 35, had spent several seasons in the NBA but was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers in April after an injury-plagued campaign. He signed for Pamesa Valencia but was ...
VALENCIA (National team) - Zeljko Rebraca, the most valuable player of the 1998 FIBA World Championship in Athens after leading Yugoslavia to the gold medal, has announced his retirement.
Rebraca, 35, had spent several seasons in the NBA but was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers in April after an injury-plagued campaign.
He signed for Pamesa Valencia but was never fully fit, leading to his decision to leave the game.
"It has been a very difficult decision to make because this summer I have worked very hard and with enthusiasm to play," Rebraca said.
"Pamesa has given me the opportunity to play but unfortunately, things have not gone well and I have spent more time off the court than playing.
"I've struggled with minor injuries, injuries that have only allowed me to take one step forward and two steps back.
"I don't see myself in the condition to help the team the way I would want to and that is why I have taken this decision."
Rebraca, a 2.11m center, was one of his country's biggest talents and his finest moment came nine years ago when he played for Zeljko Obradovic and led Yugoslavia past Greece in the semi-finals and Russia in the gold medal game.
Rebraca had a successful spell with Panathinaikos under Obradovic, winning a pair of Greek titles in 1999-2000 and 2000-01.
He also fired the Greens to the FIBA EuroLeague crown in 2000 and was voted MVP of that Final Four that was played in Thessaloniki after pouring in 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the 73-67 title win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
A second-round draft pick of Seattle in 1994, he left for the NBA after the 2000-01 campaign and spent several seasons in America with Detroit, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers.
At the end of last season, having been unable to play because of injuries, the Clippers waived him, paving the way for his return to Europe.
There were lofty expectations when Rebraca went to America, but his best season statistically there was his first in Detroit when he averaged just 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
"I want to thank all my team-mates, who have helped me since the start," he said.
FIBA