Philadelphia 76ers

A sit-down interview with 76ers draftee Dario Saric

Published May. 14, 2015 12:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

Not many people know about him, but Dario Saric became a lottery pick just a season ago when the 76ers selected him 10th overall in the last June's draft. If he were actually planning on coming to the NBA right away, he'd have gone even higher.

Alas, the Croatian didn't come over to the U.S., instead continuing to play and improve as a pro in Europe. But Sixers fans better start learning about him, because after his performance this past season, averaging 9.9 points and 6.4 rebounds for Anadolu Efes Istanbul, he could be a legitimate part of the organization's future.

The 21-year-old, 6'10" Saric sat down with Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype to talk some ball. You can check out the full interview here.

Here are some highlights:

You decided to move to Turkey last season and you have been playing for coach Dusan Ivkovic, who is known to be a very tough guy. How has the experience been?

DS: He coached my father in my hometown Sibenik for a while, so I knew exactly what kind of situation I would go through in Turkey. It's been a great experience for me to work with coach Ivkovic. He's an open man to speak with and it's good that he has so much experience. He's now old but still has the energy to explain the young players how we have to play the game, so he's still young for me.

I think you have met Brett Brown recently too.

DS: Yeah, I met him a few weeks ago. We talked a lot about basketball and it was a good thing that he came. The GM Sam Hinkie also visited me in December and we spoke about basketball and everything. It's a great thing that they trust in me and come to support me.

Do you watch Sixers games?

DS: I watch some games, but the time difference between Turkey and America makes it hard. But yeah, when I wake up in the morning I see the highlights from their games and I'm always in touch with the people in Philadelphia.

(H/t to Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype for the interview.)