Roko Ukić's squad opened the European Championship Division B in Gevgelija in spectacular fashion. After Switzerland, Cyprus was also dismantled, with Vito Šarin in particularly fine form.
The Croatian U-16 men's basketball team has kicked off its campaign at the European Championship Division B in Gevgelija, North Macedonia, in a manner that inspires immense optimism. Head coach Roko Ukić's charges have secured two convincing victories in the first two rounds, with a combined point differential of +128, confirming their excellent form from the preparatory period.
After the U-20 and U-18 age groups failed to secure promotion to the elite tier, it is up to the cadets to earn a spot in Division A. The first steps toward that goal have been nothing short of impressive.
The tournament opened with a dismantling of Switzerland, 101:47. In that game, the coach's son, Luka Ukić, shone brightly, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. He was well supported by Šime Vlaić with 17 points and six assists, Fran Strahija, son of celebrated swimmer Marko Strahija, with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Nikša Zlopaša with 15 points and five rebounds.
In the second round, against Cyprus, Croatia raised the bar even higher, cruising to an incredible 107:33 victory. This time, the leading role was played by Vito Šarin, who put on a shooting clinic. He connected on a phenomenal 10-of-13 from beyond the arc, finishing the game with 32 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. All 11 players who saw action got on the scoresheet. Strahija added 14 points, Jure Vidaković recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, Vlaić chipped in 10 points and five assists, while Zlopaša was just shy of a triple-double with six points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.
Croatia faces three challenges in the remainder of the preliminary group. The first comes on Saturday, August 8, 2026, when they take on hosts North Macedonia at 6:30 PM. After a day off, on Monday, August 10, at 4:00 PM, they face Ukraine, and a day later, on Tuesday August 11, also at 4:00 PM, their opponent will be Iceland.
It's worth noting that the top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals, while promotion to the higher tier, Division A, will be secured by the finalists and the winner of the third-place game.
