REGENSBURG (David Hein's Eye on the Future) - They are just 21 and 20 years old, but it’s clear that Dario Saric and Mario Hezonja are the future of Croatian basketball. And both are already exhibiting that at EuroBasket 2015 - despite high pressure and expectations.

This summer's European spectacle is not the first go-around at a major event for either player. 

Saric is playing at his second EuroBasket in his fourth summer with the Croatian senior national team, which also included a superb showing at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup. 

Hezonja meanwhile is making his EuroBasket debut after playing for Croatia's seniors for the first time last summer at the World Cup. 

Saric and Hezonja have regularly been the last players to leave Croatian practice in Zagreb - using the extra time after practice to hoist a few more extra jumpers or free throws. That shows their dedication to work and improve. 

If Croatia have any chance of advancing far at EuroBasket 2015, Saric will need to have a great tournament and Hezonja will be needed to make strong contributions from off the bench. 

Thus far, Saric is the team's second-leading scorer (12.3 points) while leading Croatia in rebounding (6.8 rebounds) and ranks third in assists (3.0). 

Hezonja for his part has averaged 7.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 19 minutes per game.  

Both players are not only dealing with expectations from their home Croatian fans, but both have created buzz internationally, including in the United States where they have been selected in the last two NBA Drafts.

Saric was initially picked by the Orlando Magic with the number 12 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and had his rights traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Hezonja was nabbed by the Magic with the number 5 pick in this summer’s draft. 

Both NBA teams have high hopes for their young Croatians. And that creates additional pressure on both. 

"It's not easy to be a young player in Croatia. There are great expectations. Some times the thing you have on the back is so much. It's a really tough position to be as the best prospect in Croatian basketball."

That was the response from Croatian playmaker Roko Leni Ukic about the development of Saric. 

"It's not easy for them to play here [at EuroBasket]. You cannot just cancel the process of getting more mature. It would not be fair to blame some younger players. It's part of growing up."

Saric and Hezonja are both growing up - and have grown up - with the spotlight on them.

Hezonja is more of a jokester around Croatian practice than Saric, who more often works on his one-on-one game against fellow Sibenik native Miro Bilan after practice.  

Hezonja's game is also more flamboyant with spectacular plays on offense and defense, while Saric goes about his business with a workman-like efficiency while still exhibiting his flashiness with the ball and tremendous court vision. 

Both Saric and Hezonja are getting strong support from their teammates, including two guys who already know the NBA - Bojan Bogdanovic and Damjan Rudez. 

Saric said it's great having someone as good as Bogdanovic on the team. 

"He's the best all-around player on the team. It's easier when the best player on the team is there because you feel some security," he said.

And Rok Stipcevic said the team is helping to push Saric.

"We know he has a lot of potential and he's getting better every day. I can see that even if he doesn't score he gives great effort, rebounding on offense and defense or assisting the ball."

Saric also has a number of times in Zagreb pleaded with the crowd to push the team and give them support. Saric may be young, but he understands the game and what it takes to win big games - something Croatians hope he and Hezonja will be doing for years to come.

David Hein

FIBA  

FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

FIBA takes no responsibility and gives no guarantees, warranties or representations, implied or otherwise, for the content or accuracy of the content and opinion expressed in the above article.