Mass Media
Drazen Petrovic was born in Sibenik on October 22, 1964, as the second child of Biserka, a librarian and and Jovan "Jole", a police officer. He and his older brother Aleksandar „Aco“ grew up in a typical Croatian small town family and had a happy childhood. They enjoyed in many activities in their hometown of Sibenik.
Following the footsteps of his brother, Dražen began to play basketball. However, his passion grew into a fanatical devotion. He liked to play basketball with his friends on the local open court very much, but he also spent hours alone refining his shooting skills. In his quest for continuous improvement, he drew admiration and respect of his peers, coaches and especially of his fans. All that set the stage for his career that followed.
Drazen's serious approach to the game was sometimes camouflaged by his wide and sincere smile. But as his skills improved, so did the expectations he put on himself. His personal drive developed into fine leadership skills on the court and caused many defeats for opposing teams. From his breakthrough performances in Croatia with Sibenka and Cibona teams to representing his homeland in international competition, Drazen became the best Croatian basketball player. He also earned the title „Croatian Mozart“ since he had turned basketball into an artform.
He set new standards for the game across borders, first in Spain for Real Madrid and later in the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers and New Jersey Nets. Fans stood up to take notice of the mighty "Petro". Not only was he the best guard team (especially pointers) in 1992, but also the best European who had previously played in the NBA. Another trophy was also the best quarterback shooter of the NBA that season.
He also became the leader of the young Croatian national basketball team, giving his contribution to homeland. In the first summer Olympics for the independent Croatia in Barcelona 1992, he took Croatian national team to the brightest success ever, the silver
Following the footsteps of his brother, Dražen began to play basketball. However, his passion grew into a fanatical devotion. He liked to play basketball with his friends on the local open court very much, but he also spent hours alone refining his shooting skills. In his quest for continuous improvement, he drew admiration and respect of his peers, coaches and especially of his fans. All that set the stage for his career that followed.
Drazen's serious approach to the game was sometimes camouflaged by his wide and sincere smile. But as his skills improved, so did the expectations he put on himself. His personal drive developed into fine leadership skills on the court and caused many defeats for opposing teams. From his breakthrough performances in Croatia with Sibenka and Cibona teams to representing his homeland in international competition, Drazen became the best Croatian basketball player. He also earned the title „Croatian Mozart“ since he had turned basketball into an artform.
He set new standards for the game across borders, first in Spain for Real Madrid and later in the NBA with the Portland Trailblazers and New Jersey Nets. Fans stood up to take notice of the mighty "Petro". Not only was he the best guard team (especially pointers) in 1992, but also the best European who had previously played in the NBA. Another trophy was also the best quarterback shooter of the NBA that season.
He also became the leader of the young Croatian national basketball team, giving his contribution to homeland. In the first summer Olympics for the independent Croatia in Barcelona 1992, he took Croatian national team to the brightest success ever, the silver