Mario Hezonja: On the court I just want to run over everybody

Mario Hezonja had an interview with Croatian paper Sportske Novosti:

- Today, I'm a much, much better player than I was 2 years ago, I have really grown as a player and as a person.

- Here at Croatia NT I know most of the players and coach as well, so I adjusted quickly. I feel good being part of this team.

Mario Hezonja isn't impressed with anything, it's amazing to see a confidence in a 19-year old:

- Respect? No, I never had respect to anybody on a basketball court. I heard about: "If they smell blood, you get eaten". I'm not like that. I don't care. Whether it's a veteran or a young player standing in front of me I always have the same goal. I want to run over everybody.

Mario Hezonja has a huge confidence.

You have to sacrifice a lot of things to succeed, Mario says:

I know I didn't have a normal childhood. Not because I wanted to stick out, but I did. When my friends went to the beach, I took the ball and went on the court to shoot. I always had inside motivation, I always pushed myself to get better. I was called "the beast" in Zagreb. I think that's saying a lot.

Xavi Pascual also spoke highly of him:
- From the first day I felt Pascual trusted in me, we really have great relationship. It's not all about talent, Barcelona takes care of lot of things. My goal is to just be the best in every practice and to take advatange of every opportunity.

Written by Hrvoje Vujanic