Emilio Kovačić (born 11 January 1968 in Zadar) is a Croatian professional basketball scout and former player. At a height of 2.08 m (6'10) tall, he was a center with great rebounding skills and decent defensive abilities. He played for many years in the EuroLeague.

Emilio Kovačić
Personal information
Born (1968-01-11) 11 January 1968 (age 56)
Zadar, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia
NationalityCroatian
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Career information
College
NBA draft1992: undrafted
Playing career1992–2004
PositionCenter
Career history
1992–1993Zadar
1993–1994Cibona
1994–1997Zrinjevac
1997–1999Zadar
1999–2001Union Olimpija
2001–2003Skipper Bologna
2003–2004Zadar
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's Basketball
Representing Croatia Croatia
EuroBasket
Bronze medal – third place 1993 Germany Croatia
Representing  Yugoslavia
European Championship for Cadets
Gold medal – first place 1985 Bulgaria Team

College career

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Kovačić played American college basketball for the NAIA Grand Canyon Antelopes[1] and Biola Eagles.[2] He also played in the NCAA Division I team, the Arizona State Sun Devils.[3][4][5]

Professional career

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In his pro career, Kovačić played with Zadar, Zrinjevac, Fortitudo Bologna, Union Olimpija, and Cibona. He was named the MVP of the Krešimir Ćosić Cup (Croatian Cup) of the 1997–98 season, while a member of Zadar. In 2001, Kovačić has named the MVP of the Slovenian Cup finals.

National team career

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Kovačić was a regular member of the senior men's Croatian national team. With Croatia, he won the bronze medal at the 1993 EuroBasket. He also played at the 1997 EuroBasket and at the 2001 EuroBasket.

Post-playing career

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Kovačić was hired in June 2013, as an international scouting consultant for the NBA's Phoenix Suns.[6] After five seasons, Kovačić was relieved from his position with the Suns on 8 October 2018.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Eurobasket.lt Emilio Kovačić
  2. ^ Worries Tinge Success for Biola's Kovacic Mitch Polin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb 1991
  3. ^ Colorado 81, Wyoming 77-Shaun Vandiver scored 24 points... , Chicago Tribune, 1 December 1989
  4. ^ College Hoops From A To Z, Skip Myslenski, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan 1990
  5. ^ NBACRO Archived 15 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine Podcast: S Emiliom Kovačićem otkrivali NBA tajne (in Croatian)
  6. ^ "Front Office additions are "excellent hires"". Bright Side of the Sun.
  7. ^ "Sources: Suns leaning toward making Jones GM". 9 October 2018.
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