Sports Poets Society

  (Photo credit: Grad Šibenik) https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatia-marks-30th-anniversary-of-drazen-petrovics-death/#:~:text=On%207%20June%201993%2C%20Petrovi%C4%87,%C5%A0ibenik%20on%20October%2022%2C%201964. by croatiaweek June 7, 2023 in Sport Dražen Petrović, one of Croatia’s greatest sportsmen, tragically passed away 30 years ago today. On 7 June 1993, Petrović, who was just 28 years of age, was killed in a car accident in Germany after returning from playing for Croatia in Poland the previous day. Known as “Basketball’s Mozart,” he was born in Šibenik on October 22, 1964. At a young age, he made a name for himself playing for the local club Šibenka before moving to Zagreb to play for Cibona. He later joined Real Madrid and helped them win titles. Dražen’s success continued when he moved to the Portland Trailblazers and then the New Jersey Nets. He was voted the Best European Basketballer in History and was known for his impressive scoring abilities. He achieved remarkable st...

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images https://www.si.com/nba/2015/03/29/drazen-petrovic-nets-book-excerpt-car-accident-death   A new book honors Drazen Petrovic's life, which was taken abruptly in a tragic car accident in 1993. ​Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from  'Drazen: The remarkable life and legacy of the Mozart of Basketball,'  written by  Todd Spehr . Drazen Petrovic, who was one of the first European players to star in the NBA, was a legend in his home country of Croatia and quickly captivated U.S. basketball fans with his flashy, entertaining play. The passage below details Petrovic's tragic death in 1993 and brings new details to light. You can order 'Drazen,' which comes out Monday,  here. TODD SPEHR Sports Illustrated - MAR 29, 2015 There was a call placed to the Nets ’ offices one day late in the 1993 regular season, a young woman with broken English calling about Drazen Petrović. She was a big fan, the girl told the secretary ...