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Michael Ruzic's draft prospects suffered a setback when he ruptured a tendon in his thumb, keeping him out of action for several months. His size, feel for the game, skill level, defensive instincts, and shooting prowess should keep him in first-round conversations regardless.
5. Michael Ruzic, PF, Joventut Badalona (ACB/EuroCup), Croatia
Age: 18.1 | Height: 6-10 | Weight: 223
Projected draft range: 20-35
Ruzic emerged almost out of nowhere last season, wowing scouts as a 17-year-old starter in the best domestic league in the world outside the NBA, hitting 39% of his 3-pointers and showcasing an exceptional feel for the game.
This season got off to a much rockier start; his shots weren't falling with as much consistency, and then he suffered a serious thumb ligament injury in October, which will likely shut him down for three to four months.
That time away might put Ruzic in a difficult situation depending on when he returns, as NBA decision-makers haven't had as much opportunity to study him.
Every NBA team is looking for 6-10 power forwards who can stretch the floor, pass, handle and cut, and bring strong instincts defensively. Ruzic, as the fourth-youngest prospect in ESPN's Top 100 at 18 years old, offers considerable room for growth physically, and is already on a late-blooming trajectory. The second half of the season will be crucial, as well as how quickly he can arrive for the predraft process in the U.S. to give teams an up-close look at how he projects in the long term.
Opčinjeni su Ružićem slično kao i sa Zvonimirom, vrte se tu negdje pozicijski, a ukoliko eventualno Michael potone u drugu rundu ovog jakog drafta, to može biti i prednost, a tako nije uvidio svojedobno Roko Prkačin i njegov stari i Matej Mamić i tako se upropastio.
Frapantno je da KK Zadar nije uradio sve da ga potpiše, gradi momčad oko njega i posljedično se momak poveže sa zajednicom, klub dobije, a ne izgubi reputaciju i financijski se nagradi kasnije. Možda ne bi uzeo koju titulu, a možda i bi.
