Heroes from far away - Zvonko "Z" Buljan
My day is usually working day. Waking up and going to practice. After go eat lunch and getting some rest for afternoon practice. After afternoon practice I go home and cook dinner. After dinner is relaxing time. Talking to my friends on internet, watching movies or NBA games. Thats about it. Pretty simple day.
What is your opinion about Hungarian League, and EuroChallenge, and your results? How do you fell yourself in Körmend, and in a team?
Hungary league is not bad league. It's competitive and there are some good player playing here. Eurochallenge is step ahead and it's better, harder competition. We start bad in both competitions, but later we get together as a team and we've been playing good. I felt good in the team and love my teammates. Great guys.
You spent a pair of months in our country. What do you think about hungrian people, life style?
I spent in Hungary for almost 3 months. Nice country with some nice and friendly people. Very similar to my country Croatian, so I did get use to it quick.
How do you spend your free time?
My free time I usually spend resting and getting my sleep. Internet, movies and talking to my friends and family.
When you hear a word, „Basketball”, which is the first thing what comes to your mind?
When I heard work basketball first thing on my mind is the game I love and that I live for. something I have fun doing it and enjoy it.
Why and when did you start playing basketball?
I start playing basketball at age of 11. Me and my friends went together and I fell in love.
Who is your role model on and off the court?
My role model is Zvonko Buljan, haha. I really don't have one, I'm living my own life and doing stuff I like and wanna do. On court my main guy is Carmelo Anthony. Love him as a person and player so I guess he is the guy I look up to.
What is the most motivating thing for you?
The most motivating thing for me is to be the best in what I'm doing and work hard to prove that.
What is the most important thing what you learn from basketball?
The most important thing I learn from ball is to be a great person, great teammate and be great full to all the nice and good people I meet going a long.
What did you learn under HS and College years about basketball in your motherland, and in the USA?
Playing in young generations in Croatia I learn to live live, a lot of things on how to act right, and just living experiences. College in the USA was totally different and new thing for me but I learn a lot and meet a lot of grab people that I'm still in contact with.
After College years do you have a straight way to came back home, in Europe?
After college I had a shoot in NBA. I was with Dallas Mavericks for the summer but it didn't work out so i came back to Europe to continued my Pro carrier.
What is your favourite part of game?
I don't really have favorite part of the game. I love to do all the stuff and be involve in it.
In last year you made better performance in EC, than Budesliga. What was the main reason in this case?
Cant really tell you why i play better in EC last year then in BBL but I will tell you that I play more min in EC and had more chances to show what I can do so that might be a reason.
Do you have (make) any unique ritual(s) before practices, games?
Don't really have any ritual before games. Jut going with the flow...
You’re thouching your left shoulder two times at every pre-game presentation. Do you send a message for someone on this way?
Haha... I'm touching my left shoulder 2 times before every game. I got tattoo of my home part of Croatia call DALMACIA and my home town SPLIT. So just something to remind myself who i am and where I'm coming from.
In your opinion, what is main difference US basketball between European basketball?
US basketball is more court open, a lot of one on one plays and like run and gun tips of basketball. Europe is more structure and more defense orientated.
What is the most memorable moment, game of your career?
The most memorial moment in my pro carrier is Greece championship in 2010 when me and my teammates won the 3. place that lead in Euroleague against same city rivals Aris. I play for PAOK GREECE. Unbelievable felling.
What was your first impression abuot Körmend, your teammates, coach, and fans?
My first impression about Kormend was positive. Small and calm city. Team and teammates were cool and we get along very good. Same with coach, great guy. Fans are great as well.
You made an amazing performance against Falco Szombathely. What tell your teammates about this rivaly?
I didn't know much about rivals game but I play a lot rival games in my life so I knew whats going on. At the end of the day its just game like every other so I play my best. Didn't really care it's rival game. I just play my game.
What is your favourite food and drink? Do you like hungarian cuisine?
My favorite food is fast food. Love Croatian food as well as American food. Drinks are the same way. Soda, juices, lemonade.
Do you want to say something for Körmend fans?
I wanna say to Kormend fans to stay with the team in good or bad. Even if team is doing bad we need your support to play better and get back on track.
What is your favourite:
Movie: Black hawk down
Music: JAY-Z
Jersey number: 7
Players: Toni Kukoc and Carmelo Anthony
Team: New York Knicks
Hobbie: Soccer
City: Las Vegas and Chicago ...and of course SPLIT, CROATIA.