Career: Zadar (Croatia, 2001-05), Lagun Aro Bilbao Basket (Spain-ACB, 2005-08).

Banic has developed into a very solid power forward since he joined Bilbao in 2005. His strong body allows him to be effective in the paint but he is also a good shooter and is able to play on the perimeter. On the defensive side, he is very active although he is a little undersized. This season, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in the ACB and Bilbao clinched a surprising sixth place in the regular season. At only 23, he is now a key player of the Croatia National Team. Banic played almost 20 minutes per game last year at EuroBasket 2007 and buried 66.7% (30 of45) of his shots inside the arc. Banic was born and raised in Zadar and played four seasons for KK Zadar before leaving for Spain. Banic played a very important role for coach Jasmin Repesa at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. He drew the toughest defensive assignment in the world when told to guard Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki in the semi-final win that clinched an Olympic place for Croatia.