Career: Media Velika Gorica (Croatia-A-2, 1996-97), Zrinjevac (Croatia, A-1, 1997-2000), Gonzaga University (USA-NCAA, 2000-02), Cologne (Germany-1. Bundesliga, 2002), Frankfurt Skyliners (Germany-1. Bundesliga, 2002-04), Orlando Magic (NBA, 2004-2006), AXA F.C. Barcelona (Spain-Liga ACB, 2006-07). Selected in the second round (#41) in the 2002 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Rights traded to the Orlando Magic.

---

The famous Croatian Hall of Fame Coach Mirko Novosel once said of Kasun: “Mario Kasun is the European Shaquille O’Neal!” During the 2005 EuroBasket, Mario was one of the best centers, but he got injured in the first quarter of the quarter-final against Spain. He spent one more season in the NBA with the Orlando Magic, but in the summer of 2006, acknowledging his playing time wasn't increasing, Mario decided to sign for Barcelona where he could play a bigger role.

Mario started off well in Catalonia but after being injured in January, he never made it back into the rotation. This is a bit of a mystery considering Mario's stats (11.9 ppg and 4.3 rpg in 16 minutes per game) were solid.

It’s hard to find many 2.15 m centers with power forward skills like Mario Kasun. He has such an impressive array of offensive abilities to go with solid fundamentals. Mario is strong and, even more importantly for the national team these days, he wants to play! Kasun said recently: “I’m so happy to play for my country. I can’t wait for the first EuroBasket game. I’m hungry for it!”

Mario's career has been anything but easy.  Despite being blessed with a phenomenal body, he sat out two full years at the Gonzaga University due to an eligibility problem. Because he had previously signed a contract with Zrinjevac he didn't play organised basketball for the two and half years he spent at Gonzaga University, where he was only practicing and studying.

This explains why when Kasun was drafted by the Clippers in 2002 and soon traded to Orlando, his selection was a big surprise for everybody. Up to that time he had shown just a glimmer of his talent, averaging 10.7 points per game in six Korac Cup games with Zrinjevac in 1999-2000.

The 2.15 meter center did not go straight to the NBA , signing first with Frankfurt where he played two excellent seasons with the SkyLiners and won the 2003-04 Bundesliga title. He did play two seasons for Orlando to fulfil his NBA dreams, but never really got a chance to show what he could do.

Kasun has an impressive vertical leap, a strong body, very good skills and an excellent shooting touch from five meters and in, making him effective in both pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations. He is also a very good shot-blocker.