The third degree with … Marko Jaric

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004 by Steve Greenberg

He turns 26 this month, but the Clippers 'starting point guard has been playing professionally since 1996. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, the 6-7 Jaric played two seasons in Greece and four in Italy before joining the Clippers. Since arriving in the NBA two years ago, his statistics across the board have grown steadily--along with his (some would say stylish) hair.

TSN: Let's say I'm a fan in, oh, Detroit, and I hit you in the face with, I don't know, a cup of ice. How badly do you beat me down?

JARIC: You know what? It's tough not to react in that situation. Especially during the game, your adrenaline is so high it's hard to calm down. I'm sure those players felt sorry after it was over. In the moment, it's hard to control yourself. Maybe I'd react the same way they did. Each player's very proud. Nobody will accept that kind of disrespect.

TSN: So you'd leap into the stands and crush me?

JARIC: I hope not.

TSN: Your father, Srecko Jaric, is considered by many to be one of the greatest international basketball players ever. How good was his game?

JARIC: He was a great player, with a very, very high IQ. My game is much more based on athleticism; he was supersmart and always knew exactly where to be on the floor at any moment.

TSN: Are you better than he was?

JARIC: I got further in my 2career because I play in the NBA. He never even could think of getting into the NBA in his time. Of course, you need everything to be an NBA player, especially a point guard--talent, hard work, an NBA body. In my father's time, you could be, like, a great shooter and that's it. I don't want to say he wasn't in good shape, but you know ...

TSN: Got it. So your old man was fat and slow.

JARIC: Come on! I didn't say that!

TSN: What's a fun thing the typical NBA fan doesn't know about you?

JARIC: For me, it's very hard to talk about myself. Yeah, I'm like this; I'm like that. It's a very European thing.

TSN: Are European players misunderstood by Americans? I'm thinking of the whole "soft" thing.

JARIC: I think, yes. When you come here your first year, it's not easy, especially when you're a rookie and everyone wants to see how tough you are. A lot of European players don't adjust very well over here at first; they don't show their character and just get eaten by NBA players. But it's the same thing in Europe: A lot of American players overseas just stand in the corner and don't talk to anybody. They don't play as well as they can, either.

TSN: Who's your favorite NBA player from outside the U.S.?

JARIC: I'm very connected to Manu Ginobili. We won a championship together in Italy and left for the NBA at the same time. I love his game and think he's one of the great defenders. And he's a tough guy. He's my No. 1.

TSN: Hey, you're a guard in L.A. If you had Shaq on your team, would you hold him tight and never let him go?

JARIC: A lot of people don't know what was happening on the Lakers; sometimes, the chemistry just doesn't work. But, of course, having such a guy in the paint helps you a lot. We all want to play with Shaq.