Ivano Balic

Handball

• Date of birth: April 1, 1979
• Birthplace: Split, Croatia
• Hometown:
• Residence: Metkovic, Croatia
• College:

• Weight: 200 pounds
• Height: 6-2
• Events: Team Handball

New leader
A crucial member of Croatia's gold-medal winning team in Athens, center back Ivano Balic was the team's third-leading scorer with 32 goals in its eight games. The 2006 World Handball Player of the Year, Balic led his country with 53 goals at the 2007 Worlds (fifth overall), where Croatia took fifth place. He also helped lead his team to its first world title in 2003, where Balic was third on the team in goals (33) and third in assists (16).

American influence
Balic is a huge American sports fan, and his love of basketball shows on the handball court. A sensational playmaker, Balic likes to throw behind-the-back passes, and scores many of his points off a quick-release snap throw like an infielder throwing to first base. And, like a good point guard, Balic is adept at drawing attention from the defense, leaving his teammates open for his passes.

Like Mike
Balic is an especially serious Boston Celtics fan. His birthplace of Split is the hometown of former Celtics' star Dino Radja and former Bulls, Hawks and Bucks star Toni Kukoc. Balic and teammates will often call each other "Jordan" or "T-Mac" or "Pierce" when one makes an impressive play in handball, in reference to NBA stars Michael Jordan, Tracy McGrady and Paul Pierce