ZARAGOZA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Croatia's national team took a big step forward at last summer's EuroBasket when it not only qualified for the FIBA Basketball World Cup but also put together a hugely impressive winning streak of eight games.

The team was outclassed in the Semi-Finals by Lithuania and then crashed to a heavy defeat against Spain in the battle for third place, but looking back, the tournament was a successful one for Croatia and especially some of their unheralded players.

Damjan Rudez's star has been on the rise since the EuroBasket.

He made an eye-popping seven of eight three-pointers last weekend for CAI Zaragoza as they beat Valladolid, 96-68, and clinched a spot in the end-of-season playoffs for the second year in a row.

Rudez has been excellent from long range this season, burying 64 of 145 attempts for a 44 percent success rate.

In 13 of CAI's 32 games, he has made at least three three-pointers.

Rudez told FIBA.com earlier this season that the EuroBasket was an important event for his career.

"It meant a lot because being on that main stage of the European Championship and playing well with my teammates, representing my country and playing well - it really boosted my confidence," said the 2.07m forward.

Jasmin Repesa knows that with Rudez, he's got a lethal marksman when they compete in Group B at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Croatia will play Greece, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Senegal and the Philippines in Seville.

FIBA