VIDEO: Remembering Dražen Petrović: 31 years today since the tragic loss
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: Grad Šibenik)
Today marks the 31st anniversary of the tragic passing of Dražen Petrović, one of Croatia’s most celebrated sportsmen.
On June 7, 1993, at just 28 years old, Petrović was killed in a car accident in Germany after returning from playing for Croatia in Poland the previous day.
Born in Šibenik on October 22, 1964, Petrović quickly became known as “Basketball’s Mozart” for his extraordinary talent and on-court genius.
He began his illustrious career with the local club Šibenka before moving to Zagreb to play for Cibona, where his exceptional performances paved the way for his move to Real Madrid.
At Real Madrid, he helped the team secure multiple titles and further established his reputation as a formidable player.
Petrović’s success continued across the Atlantic in the NBA. After joining the Portland Trail Blazers, he later moved to the New Jersey Nets, where he truly showcased his phenomenal talent.
In 1992, he was not only the team’s top scorer, especially known for his three-point shooting, but also hailed as the best European player to have graced the NBA at that time.
That season, he was recognized as the league’s best shooting guard, further solidifying his legacy.
Beyond his club achievements, Petrović had a remarkable international career. He led the Croatian national team to silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, in a memorable final against the original Dream Team, featuring NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Scottie Pippen.
(Photo: Grad Šibenik)
Petrović also won gold and bronze medals at the FIBA World and European Championships, making significant contributions to Croatia’s basketball prominence on the global stage.
Petrović’s remarkable impact on basketball was acknowledged through various honors. He received the Franjo Bučar State Award for Sport in 1992 and was posthumously awarded the same honor for lifetime achievement in 2002. That same year, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Today, in Šibenik, the 31st anniversary of his untimely death is being commemorated with a fitting program. The community, including numerous Šibenik residents and delegations from the City of Šibenik, Šibenik-Knin County, sports clubs, and associations, will gather to lay flowers and light candles at Dražen’s monument in Baldekin, honoring his memory and lasting legacy.
Drazen’s grave at Mirogoj cemetery (Photo: SpeedyGonsales/CC BY 3.0)
Real Madrid, where Petrović played in the late 1980s, also paid tribute to him. They shared a video of his career highlights, reminding the world of his exceptional contributions to the team and the sport. “31 years without Petrović,” they posted, echoing the sentiment felt by basketball fans worldwide.
💫 31 años sin Petrovic. pic.twitter.com/sBi4pzR0d7
— Real Madrid Basket (@RMBaloncesto) June 7, 2024
Dražen Petrović’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of basketball players, and his contributions to the sport remain indelible. As we remember him today, we celebrate the life and career of a player who not only excelled on the court but also bridged cultures and inspired countless fans and athletes around the world.
