Ivica Zubac Praises Deni Avdija Ahead of Croatia-Israel World Cup Qualifier

Ivica Zubac, the Croatian center for the Indiana Pacers, spoke to Sport Channel ahead of Croatia's World Cup qualifying match against Israel on July 6, 2026. After Israel's recent loss to Germany, Croatia is preparing for a tough game, with Zubac emphasizing the strength and intelligence of his national team. He described the upcoming match as a significant test and expressed hope for a Croatian victory.

Zubac highlighted Deni Avdija, Israel's NBA player, praising his development into an All-Star caliber athlete. He noted Avdija's physical improvement and effective use of his strength and transition play as key factors in his success this season. Zubac called Avdija one of the best players in the NBA and acknowledged his impressive season.

Additionally, Zubac mentioned the importance of focusing on Yam Madar, who has experience playing at the EuroLeague level and performed well against Germany. He stressed that the game would be challenging and that the Croatian team must give their all to please the fans attending the match.

The game is set to take place on Sunday, July 6, 2026, as part of the FIBA World Cup qualification process, with both teams aiming to secure a crucial win.