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Career: Triglav Kranj (Slovenia, 1991-94), Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia, 1994-97), Phoenix Suns (NBA, 1997-99), Fenerbahçe Istanbul (Turkey, 1999, during the NBA lockout), Phoenix Suns (NBA, 1999), Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia, 1999-2000), Real Madrid (Spain-ACB, 2000-01), Fortitudo Bologna (Italy-Lega, 2001-02), Roseto Basket Town (Italy-Lega 2002-03), Scavolini Pesaro (Italy-Lega, 2003-...) Drafted on the second round (#34) of the 1997 NBA draft by the Philadelphia Sixers. Probably the most explosive player in Europe ever, he is best known for his high flying dunks, including one over a Honda convertible at an all-star game at the tender age of 17. Athleticism runs through his veins. His father, Vladimir, was a shot putting champion in the former Yugoslavia. Thanks to his fantastic physical abilities, he was considered as a top-level talent in the late nineties and couldn't escape the NBA Draft. The Sixers picked him in the second round, but eventually traded his rights to Phoenix. Unfortunately, Marko's rookie season was to be spoiled by the NBA lockout and he came back to Europe – the Turkish team of Fenerbahçe to be more precise - in order to stay in shape. Upon the lockout's end, Milic returned to the Suns for a season finish in which he didn't see much action. He was nevertheless enthusiastic at having a shot in the Big League, mentioning Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal as his idols. However, his leaping ability and raw strength were not coupled with sufficient ball handling and shooting skills to make it against the formidable competition the NBA presented. So Milic decided to come back to Europe. He has been a legitimate starter in respectable teams since then, and always provided the necessary physical boost for the Slovenian national team. This year, Marko will be the oldest player of the bunch; as a veteran, he is expected to provide both toughness and mature leadership to Ales Pipan's group. |