Cibona about to lose member of Croatian U18 National Team

KK Cibona Zagreb could soon lose one of its most perspective young players Dragan Sekelja (209-C-91). Sekelja will most likely continue his career at the university in the United States. Soon after loss in finals of Adriatic League to Partizan, the President of BC KK Cibona Zagreb Ivo Jelusic has stated they the club must turn to their youth and that they must start producing players. However, now it seems that they are about to lose a precious gem to NCAA. Sekelja has recently signed the letter of intention to play at Baylor University who is competing in Big 12 Conference. Recently he has refused to sign professional contract with KK Cibona Zagreb because by doing so, he would lose his eligibility to play for Baylor. Similar thing happened previously with Mario Kasun, who after signing professional contract with BC Zrinjevac, lost his amateur status and never go to play for Gonzaga.

Sekelja stated that he decided for Baylor because he believes that is where he will get a chance to play and develop. He believes that it would have been hard cracking the rotation at BC KK Cibona Zagreb next year, and that he need playing time do develop. Having recently turned 18 years on 7th of January, Sekelja could become first player from Croatia to play at Big 12 Conference, which along with Big Ten, Big East and ACC is among strongest conferences in NCAA.

So far Sekelja has been a member of U16 and U18 National Teams. As a member of U16 National Team he participated at European Championships U16 in Rethimnon, Greece in 2007. He averaged 3.5ppg and 4.5rpg in 8 games. As a member of U18 National Team he played at Albert Schweitzer International Tournament in Mannheim which is considered the Unofficial World Championships U18 in 2008. He also made two appearances at Euroleague Nike Junior Tournament in 2007 and 2008.