Mario Hezonja: “I’ve grown eight centimeters since I was drafted”

Hezonja: “When I was drafted, I looked like a kid”

In 2015, when Mario Hezonja decided to move to the NBA, he was 20 years old, 1.98 meters tall and weighed 86 kilograms.

Now, at 31 and preparing for his second stint in the United States, the Croatian has a completely different physical profile: 2.06 meters and 118 kilograms.

“I remember when I was drafted, I looked like a kid. I had a lot of talent and I could find my game, but I wasn’t prepared for the physical level of the NBA. Now I’m 2.06 meters tall and weigh 118 kilos. That adds a lot to the versatility I can bring to the team.”

Kenny Atkinson: “He’s a tank”

Hezonja’s physical transformation has also impressed his new head coach, Kenny Atkinson, who compared the Croatian’s build to that of an American football player.

“He has the build of a tight end. Right now, you can’t move him, you can’t beat him to a spot. He’s a tank.”

Hezonja’s mentality hasn’t changed

While his physique has changed dramatically, Hezonja’s mentality appears to have remained the same.

Back in 2015, before his first NBA experience, the Croatian spoke openly about his attitude toward opponents on the court:

“Respect? No, I’ve never respected anyone on a basketball court. Whether it’s a veteran or a young player in front of me, I always have the same goal: run everyone over.”

From 86 to 118 kilos

Hezonja’s physical development has been one of the factors that kept attracting NBA interest over the years.

The Croatian ultimately decided to leave Real Madrid and return to the United States, ending his time in Spain after a complicated departure that came close to the deadline of his buyout clause.

Source: Marca