KK Zagreb's emerging center Ante Tomic is humble and respectful, but that doesn't stop him from dreaming of wearing the Croatian national team dress.

The 2.17m Tomic, who turns 21 in February, is one of many talented young hoopsters in Croatia who give that country great cause for optimism.

Tomic has played for Croatia in every age category of FIBA Europe Youth Competitions

Averaging better than 13 points and almost seven rebounds per game with Zagreb in the EuroCup, Tomic is a big prospect in a country that has spawned legends like Drazen Petrovic and Toni Kukoc.

He certainly has the eye of national team coach Jasmin Repesa, who invited him to train with the senior side before EuroBasket 2007 in Spain.

Though he did not make the side that played in Seville and Madrid, where the team eventually booked a place in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the experience of working out with the likes of Marko Popovic and Mario Kasun, he says, made him a better player.

"I am a young player and for sure, it is my pleasure and honor to have practices with the best Croatian players who played in big European clubs and the NBA," Tomic said to Croatian magazine Super Kosarka.

"During such well organized practices, those players can pass on their knowledge and experience."

For Tomic, his future boils down to this. He will only go as far as hard work will take him.

"Every time during a practice and a game, I want to improve and learn something new," Tomic said.

"I love to shoot. I have worked a lot on my jump-shot and I have also worked a lot on my post moves, with my back to the basket.

“	I love to shoot. I have worked a lot on my jump-shot and I have also worked a lot on my post moves, with my back to the basket.	„
Ante Tomic

"I would like to become a complete all-round player. The only thing which I am missing to become a classical five (center) is about 10 kilograms of muscle mass."

Croatia will discover on January 31 who their opponents will be for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

That is when the draw will take place, in Athens - the venue for the tournament that will be staged in July.

Tomic will, no doubt, be interested to see which teams Croatia will play against with only three places still up for grabs for Beijing.

The Croatians won't fear any team. They beat world champions Spain in Seville last year.

"Playing in the Olympic Games is the ultimate dream of every sports person and also mine," he said.

"However, I'm aware it would be very difficult to win a place because there are many other more experienced players who deserve a place at the Olympics.

"I believe that the players who have won the right to compete at the Pre-Olympic Tournament should be the ones playing at the event. I will give everything to impress the head coach, Jasmin Repesa.

"Last summer, my preparation was interrupted by minor injuries. I am hopeful that I would be injury free this time."