25 Facts About Ivica Zubac

Early Life and Background

Ivica Zubac, a towering presence on the basketball court, has an interesting backstory that many fans might not know. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina
   Ivica Zubac was born on March 18, 1997, in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This city is known for its historic architecture and the iconic Stari Most bridge.

2. Moved to Croatia
   At a young age, Zubac and his family moved to Croatia, where he began his basketball journey. This move played a significant role in shaping his future career.

3. Basketball Family
   Basketball runs in the Zubac family. His older brother, Mario Zubac, also played basketball professionally, which inspired Ivica to pursue the sport.

4. Early Start
   Zubac started playing basketball at the age of 7. His height and natural talent quickly set him apart from his peers.

Rise to Professional Basketball

Zubac's journey from a young basketball enthusiast to a professional player is nothing short of inspiring. Here are some key moments from his rise to professional basketball.

5. Joined Cibona Zagreb
   In 2013, Zubac joined Cibona Zagreb, one of the most prestigious basketball clubs in Croatia. This was a significant step in his career.

6. Moved to Mega Leks
   In 2016, Zubac signed with Mega Leks in Serbia. This move helped him gain more exposure and experience in European basketball.

7. NBA Draft
   Zubac declared for the 2016 NBA Draft and was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 32nd overall pick. This marked the beginning of his NBA career.

8. Summer League Standout
   During the 2016 NBA Summer League, Zubac impressed everyone with his performance, averaging 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

NBA Career Highlights

Ivica Zubac's NBA career has been filled with memorable moments and achievements. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

9. Debut Game
   Zubac made his NBA debut on November 2, 2016, against the Atlanta Hawks. He scored 6 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in just 19 minutes.

10. First Double-Double
    On January 17, 2017, Zubac recorded his first double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets.

11. Career-High Points
    Zubac scored a career-high 26 points on January 17, 2019, while playing for the Lakers against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

12. Trade to the Clippers
    In February 2019, Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. This trade provided him with more playing time and opportunities to showcase his skills.

13. Playoff Performance
    Zubac played a crucial role in the Clippers' playoff run in 2020, averaging 9.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the basketball court, Zubac has a rich personal life and various interests that make him a well-rounded individual.

14. Married to Kristina Prišč
    Zubac married his longtime girlfriend, Kristina Prišč, in 2019. The couple often shares glimpses of their life together on social media.

15. Animal Lover
    Zubac is an avid animal lover. He has a pet dog named Simba, who frequently appears in his social media posts.

16. Video Game Enthusiast
    In his free time, Zubac enjoys playing video games. He often streams his gaming sessions on platforms like Twitch.

17. Charity Work
    Zubac is actively involved in charity work. He has participated in various community service events and donated to numerous causes.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Ivica Zubac that might surprise even his biggest fans.

18. Nickname
    Zubac's teammates and fans often call him "Zu" or "Big Zu," a nickname that has stuck with him throughout his career.

19. Favorite Food
    Zubac loves traditional Croatian cuisine. His favorite dish is "Ćevapi," a type of grilled minced meat.

20. Height and Wingspan
    Standing at 7 feet tall with a wingspan of 7 feet 4 inches, Zubac's physical attributes make him a formidable presence on the court.

21. Multilingual
    Zubac is fluent in multiple languages, including Croatian, Serbian, and English. This skill helps him communicate effectively with teammates and coaches.

22. Basketball Idol
    Growing up, Zubac idolized Shaquille O'Neal. He often watched Shaq's games and tried to emulate his playing style.

23. Favorite Movie
    Zubac's favorite movie is "The Godfather." He enjoys watching classic films in his downtime.

24. Music Taste
    Zubac has a diverse taste in music. He enjoys listening to everything from hip-hop to traditional Balkan music.

25. Social Media Presence
    Zubac is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his life and career with his fans.

Ivica Zubac: A Rising Star

Ivica Zubac has quickly become a standout in the NBA. His journey from Croatia to the big leagues is nothing short of inspiring. With his impressive height, strong defensive skills, and ability to score, Zubac has proven he's a force to be reckoned with on the court. His dedication to improving his game and his humble attitude make him a fan favorite.

Zubac's impact isn't just limited to his stats. He's also known for his sportsmanship and team spirit, often seen encouraging his teammates and maintaining a positive attitude. As he continues to grow and develop, there's no doubt that Zubac will keep making headlines. Keep an eye on this talented player; his best is yet to come.