This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
He patterns his game after old school NBA big man Dino Radja. His strengths include his athleticism, his ability to pass the ball and the skill of simply playing hard.
Indeed, scouts are still getting to know Ante Zizic. So are the media. So are fans of the NBA game, both hardcore and casual.
The 7-footer was in Salt Lake City on Saturday morning for a workout with the Utah Jazz. Predictably, he struggled a bit with his stamina because of the altitude. He worked out individually, so the Jazz didn't get to see him against either Jordan Tolbert or Gracin Bakumanya, the other two prospects in for the workout.
He impressed, regardless.
"We like that he plays hard, and that he rebounds," Jazz VP of Player Personnel Walt Perrin said. "I think we saw what we needed to see. The best things that he does, he's similar to a point guard in that he needs to be in a 5-on-5 setting. What he does best, he can't show that individually."
So, who is Zizic? He's a native of Croatia, and a prospect who's gained traction in mock drafts over the last month. Almost an afterthought when the draft process began, he's now looked upon as a solid first-round possibility.
If the Jazz keep their No. 12 pick, they probably won't be taking Zizic, as that spot is thought to be a little too high for him. But should Utah decide to trade down, possibly somewhere in the 20s, Zizic is someone to keep an eye on.
Why? Because he's young and athletic, he's a good defender who protects the rim and excels against the pick-and-roll, and he plays with an edge, a certain nastiness that's endeared him to scouts. Perrin also said he likes that Zizic can almost certainly translate his skillset to the American game.
Zizic appreciated the chance to show off his game in Salt Lake, though he said he didn't play his best.
"The workout was hard," Zizic said. "It was bad for me; I thought I could've played much better. But I enjoyed being here, and I'm excited at having the chance to be a part of an NBA club. It's hard to show in a workout exactly what I can do, as opposed to playing in a game. I'm always going to play 100 percent. I'm going to run the floor well, and always finish strong."
The Jazz haven't made anything official, but Saturday could represent the last workout before the draft. They will start to make decisions and construct a draft board. They will evaluate what they should or shouldn't do with the 12th selection.
In all, the Jazz have worked out and interviewed over 100 prospects. Utah hold the one first round pick, and three picks in the second round, which could make for an interesting draft night.
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