Once Brothers

Reflects on the conflict in Yugoslavia and its impact on personal life and relationships.
Mention of civil war in Croatia and constant communication with family and friends still in the country.

1986: Signed first professional basketball contract in Yugoslavia.
Named to the Yugoslavian national team, alongside notable players like Tony Kukoc and Drazen Petrovic.
1988: Won silver medal in the Olympics and gold at the World Championships, marking Yugoslavia as a powerful basketball nation.
Country of Yugoslavia formed in 1918, comprised of different republics (Serbians, Croatians, etc.).
Childhood: Grew up in Griapolya, enjoying basketball with family support and community.

Played for Partizan Belgrade at age 18.
Era marked by a generation of talented players from Yugoslavia dominating European basketball.
Drazen Petrovic: Considered one of the greatest players, known for his scoring ability and influence on the sport in Yugoslavia.

1988 Olympics: Training camp in Rogla, roomed with Drazen. Relationship grew through shared passion for the game and camaraderie.
Finals Anticipation: Faced the Soviet Union but lacked experience, resulting in a silver medal finish.

1989 European Championships: Dominated the tournament held in Zagreb, a carefree time for the team and personal success.
Transition from national glory to the backdrop of political change and rising ethnic tensions in Yugoslavia.

National sentiment begins to split as Croatia pushes for independence, affecting friendships and team dynamics.
1989 NBA Draft: Player transitions to American basketball. Vlade Divac selected by the Lakers, with Drazen soon to follow to Portland.

Cultural Shock: Struggles to adapt to American life and basketball; humorous anecdotes about suit shopping and the culture shock of consumerism.
Drazen's struggle in the NBA due to minimal playing time, leading to frustration.

Split between Drazen and Vlade due to a flag incident that fueled media narratives during increasing ethnic conflicts.
Friendship strained amid national tensions, with pressures from both sides causing distance.

The onset of the Croatian War of Independence led to chaos in personal lives; the war transcended into politics, causing friends to become enemies.
Strained Relationships: Reflections on lost friendships due to preferences and loyalties.

Drazen became a star in the NBA, showcasing his talent with the New Jersey Nets, but his success was overshadowed by turmoil.
1993: Drazen Petrovic tragically dies in a car accident, impacting the community and remaining friends deeply.

1995: Completion of the Yugoslav Wars, with deep scars left in society including 130,000 lost lives.
Vlade's continued career with the Lakers and attempts to reconcile with former Croatian teammates amidst ongoing tensions.

Reflects on a journey filled with pride and sadness, carrying the burden of lost friendships and the impact of war on personal lives.
Now able to share lessons and stories with the next generation about the tumultuous past and the friendship with Drazen.