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22.08.2008
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  12.08.2006 - Croatia: Planinic Back To Europe
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 Zoran Planinic

Career: Brotnjo Citluk (Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1-Div), Cibona Zagreb (youth team), Benston (Croatia-A1, 1999-00), Cibona Zagreb (Croatia-A1, 2000-03), New Jersey Nets (NBA, 2003-06), Tau Ceramica (Spain-Liga ACB, 2006-07). Selected in the fisrt round (#22) of the 2003 NBA draft


When he was at Cibona Zagreb, Planinic was thought to be one of the most talented players in Europe.  During the U18 European Championship in 2000, he was considered by many to be a bigger prospect than future NBA star Tony Parker.  Planinic became the starting point guard for Cibona Zagreb at 20, helping his team win the Croatian championship in 2001 and 2002.  The 1.98 meter point guard dazzled everyone with his skills in his “rookie” year and was branded MVP of the inaugural Euroleague in 2001.  Drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2003, the Bosnia-Herzegovina native struggled through three frustrating seasons, playing behind Jason Kidd. He headed back to Europe in search of playing time. At TAU Vitoria, he was the best player of the first half of the Euroleague season, before injuring his left hand.  Still, he showed something in his first European season, playing strong defense and becoming a much better passer and an improved shooter from three-point range. Planinic has great size for a point guard, excellent ball-handling, passing and shooting skills and Croatia will need him to be 100% healthy if they want to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games.