Croatian basketball player Luka Božić, one of the top performers in the ACB League, speaks exclusively to Sportklub about the crucial match against Latvia, his return to Zadar, rumors, and his determination to always follow his own path.
Luka Božić has had a fantastic season and is now ready for a significant role with the Croatian national basketball team. As one of the standout players in Spain's ACB League, a member of the league's All-First Team, and a player who, despite Granada's relegation, posted the highest efficiency rating in the entire competition, he is expected to be a key asset for head coach Tomislav Mijatović ahead of the crucial clash with Latvia.
On August 27, 2026, at the Krešimir Ćosić Hall in Zadar, Croatia will face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier for the 2027 tournament in Qatar. The math is clear: a victory in front of a packed arena at Višnjik would throw the doors wide open for qualification to the world's biggest basketball showcase, which the 'Kockasti' have missed at the last two editions.
Božić, currently a free agent and close to staying in the ACB League, averaged 16.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for Granada. With an average efficiency index of 24.3, he was the most valuable player in the entire league. His stellar performances earned him a spot on the All-First Team alongside Mario Hezonja, who took home the MVP title, and during the season, he also tied an 18-year-old record in the Spanish league by recording five consecutive games with an efficiency rating of at least 30 points.
"Yes, I've had a great season in Spain, great on an individual level because I made the league's All-First Team, some records were broken, so I'm really satisfied with that. There are some things I'm not happy about. Granada got relegated, and that's something the city and the club truly don't deserve. But it's simply the ACB, and you never know there. So, I can say I'm satisfied. There were no injuries, and that's what matters most," Božić told Sportklub.
When asked what he's focusing on most this summer, Božić emphasized that there isn't just one area to improve. "I think any player who wants to progress, who wants a better contract, who wants a better club, doesn't have just one area to fix, but rather needs to work extra on everything. More on some things, less on others. But I definitely want to take my game to a higher level."
Soon, the 30-year-old from Bjelovar returns to Zadar, but this time in the national team jersey. "Returning to Zadar is always special. It's truly, in my opinion, the most beautiful city in Croatia. But it's simply a different feeling to play for Zadar, to put on Zadar's jersey, or to put on the national team jersey. Those are just different feelings, and it's hard to describe them. But I think it will be a truly special moment," Božić emphasized.
He also commented on the atmosphere within the national team under sporting director Krunoslav Simon and head coach Mijatović. "I think the culture of the national team is talked about when you're winning. When you win, of course, everything is good, everything is great, we all get along, the chemistry is excellent. If we were losing, people would simply talk differently, they'd say nothing works. So as long as we're winning, it's good, and if, God forbid, we start losing, I think they'll write that there isn't really any chemistry and they'll look for someone to blame."
He added that he has no complaints about the work of the sporting director and the head coach. "They're really fair, and it's easy to reach an agreement with them, so I hope we'll continue at this pace."
Speaking about the upcoming match against Latvia, Božić admitted he doesn't know much about the opponent but is aware they're a tough bunch. Preparations, he says, will go day by day. When asked if Zadar is the best possible choice for a home court, he gave an honest answer.
"Zadar is a double-edged sword, because in Osijek you play without any pressure, while in Zadar there's a special atmosphere, and the crowd senses it-you can't fool them. Whether you're on or off depends on how we mentally prepare for that game, and somehow try to make Zadar the sixth man; that crowd in Zadar is special," he stressed.
Croatia has a 5-1 record in World Cup qualifiers, with their only loss coming in overtime to Germany. "I think we're playing quite well; a 5-1 record is great, and I think we're very close to going to the World Cup in Qatar, especially since we missed the last two," Božić said, adding: "If someone had offered us 5-1 before the start of the competition, I think we would have taken it, and we're in a good position to advance."
Božić has the opportunity to train with former and current NBA players like Dario Šarić, Mario Hezonja, Ivica Zubac, and Karlo Matković. "I think that's always an extra motivation. When they come to practice, you simply want to play against them, you want to guard an NBA player, you want them to guard you, to simply improve, to push each other. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hezonja on going to the NBA; that was his goal and dream, so I hope he stays there."
He also touched on rumors that his former Zadar coach, Danijel Jusup, suggested he not play for the national team while he was the club's best player. "Well, there are always rumors, but rumors don't hurt me. I'm 30 years old, and I think people have seen by now, no matter what anyone says, that I'll always move forward on my own. I'm my own man, and I'll simply do things my way. What people say and talk about is truly irrelevant. Because, as they say, people who talk don't pay your bills, so until they start paying my bills, I won't care."
He added that Jusup, as a coach, has heard plenty of things and lies and shouldn't pay attention to the comments of 'do-gooders.'
When told that Zadar player Marko Ramljak said he's scared to think what the club from Višnjik would look like if Luka Božić and Vladimir Mihailović were reunited, Božić answered affirmatively. "Well, it would be nice; it would be nice to put on Zadar's jersey again. I think anyone who experienced good times in Zadar wants to return there. But it will be hard to repeat something like that because, under coach Jusup, they're gathering good people, not just good players. There was really good chemistry there, and players played for less money than they could have gotten elsewhere, and we really won a lot of trophies; it was a special feeling. But would I like to return to Zadar? Yes!"
To wrap up, he described his special connection to three cities: his hometown Bjelovar, Zagreb where he developed as a player, and Zadar where he won everything. "It would be hard for me to pick just one city, and I've been constantly on those routes, so I think it will stay that way. I couldn't choose just one city," Božić concluded.
