Serb who conquered America
Since the late 80s, numerous famous Yugoslav players crossed the Atlantic to accept the challenge to play in the NBA. Zarko Paspalj, Aleksandar Djordjevic, Milos Babic, Radisav Curcic, Rastko Cvetkovic, Predrag Danilovic and many others tried their luck playing in the strongest basketball league in the world, with more or less success. However, only Vlade Divac managed to build a career and become one of the best NBA centers.
He begun his career in "Sloga" from Kraljevo, expressed his talent playing for Belgrade Partizan. As an eighteen-year-old, he appeared in the Yugoslav national team at the 1986 World Championship in Spain. He was one of the culprits for the Yugoslav defeat against USSR, so, in despair, he thought of leaving the sport. Fortunately, it was just a moment of weakness for a young player, who didn't learn that mistakes and defeats are part of the game.
In 1989, Divac begins his NBA career that still lasts. First, he played for LA Lakers. He wasn't quite physically ready for the duels with much stronger centers in the first season, so, as he admitted, after each collision with them, he ended up in the stands third row. However, his talent wasn't left unnoticed, and he was proclaimed one of the best NBA rookies of the season.
After several seasons, Divac crosses to Charlotte Hornets, and in winter of 1999 he returns shortly to Europe to help Belgrade Red Star in the European League, then flies back to America and becomes member of Sacramento Kings, where he still plays, along with another Yugoslav, Predrag Stojakovic.
Playing more than 10 seasons, Vlade Divac left a deep trace in the US professional basketball. His performances are memorable, his words outside the court are attracting attention and understanding. He conquered America not only with his basketball talent, but also with his relation towards the opponents, fans and media.
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