Roko-Leni Ukic

Career: Split (Croatia, 2000-2005), Tau Ceramica Vitoria (Spain-ACB, 2005-…). Drafted in the second round (#41) of the 2005 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors.

The most talented playmaker in Europe. Nevertheless, the Raptors drafted him a lowly 41st, so Roko shunned the big league and signed with Vitoria, in Spain. EuroBasket 2005 will be his debut with the Croatian national team in such a big event. Roko's direct rivals for playing time will be New Jersey's Planinic and Efes Pilsen's Popovic. A tough competition for a youngster that has been in control of the Split team the last couple of years. "I don't fear competition, since we all can play both positions" confidently says Roko. According to NBA scouts, who compare him to former Golden State All Star "Sleepy" Floyd, Ukic has "shocking" talent: He has the size to play shooting guard, but handles the point guard position excellently. Great ball handler drives and finishes with both hands, dishes to the open man with ease, a very good shooter. Sole weakness: Roko has to have the ball in his hands to be effective. That's not going to happen at this EuroBasket, but it this should be good schooling for Ukic, poised to become one of the pillars of his country's national team.