Modrić Tests Zadar's Young Talent
KK Zadar's official roster call-up is scheduled for August 10, but new coach Stipe Modrić has already gathered young players at Višnjik to assess their potential.
KK Zadar's official roster call-up is scheduled for August 10, but new coach Stipe Modrić has already gathered young players at Višnjik to assess their potential.
Although the official start of preparations for Zadar's basketball team is set for August 10, 2026, new coach Stipe Modrić hasn't wasted any time. Already on Monday evening, a handful of the club's young prospects gathered for training at Višnjik. The goal is clear: a week before the seniors join, Modrić wants to see firsthand the level of talent and readiness of the players he could count on in the upcoming season, as well as those who will be honed through loan spells.
The opportunity to impress the new strategist was given to Manuel Dundović, Toni Torbarina, Luka Bičić, Andro Mirčeta, Luka Gulan, Alexander Božiković, Bruno Baričević, and Luka Brajković. According to Sportske novosti, Mirčeta, after a solid season with Samobor, is expected to secure a spot in the squad. On the other hand, the talented quartet of Šime Grbin, Luka Jerak, Frane Bajković, and Filip Bilokapić was missing from the first gathering. Their absence is justified as they have just finished competing at the U18 European Championship and will join later.
In a 12-man roster, Zadar currently has eight or nine positions filled. One spot is reserved for an American center, a reinforcement still being sought. This search for a key center is crucial because it will dictate the budget and answer whether there will be funds left to bring in another player for the wing positions.
This opens up a battle for the remaining two spots on the team. As Sportske novosti learns, the impression is that the biggest fight will be between Manuel Dundović and Luka Gulan for the wing positions, while Luka Bičić is expected to take on the role of the fifth guard. However, the final say will come down to finances and the coaching staff's assessment of whether a backup four is necessary.
One of the biggest unknowns heading into the season is the power forward position. Zadar currently has two true big men: Lovro Buljević, considered a solid option off the bench, and Darijo Drežnjek. Alongside them, the aforementioned American center is expected to arrive as the starting five. In such a setup, the plan is for two-time Premier League MVP Ivan Vučić to cover both wing positions, with an emphasis on the power forward spot.
This scenario carries significant risk. Vučić, although a versatile player capable of covering positions two through five, has spent his entire career playing as a small forward, or the three. Moving up a position, for the first time since his youth days, puts him in direct matchups with ABA League fours. Standing at 197 centimeters, Vučić will face players who often exceed 210 centimeters. Therefore, it's clear that Zadar needs another experienced player, a solid defensive option off the bench, which would allow Vučić to showcase his quality in his natural position.
The alternative is clear: if they decide to throw the young and athletically gifted Gulan into the fire, Vučić will patch up the four, and Gulan will gradually develop, resting captain Marko Ramljak, whom he resembles in playing style. For now, many questions remain ahead of Zadar, but answers should arrive in the coming days.
