Ivica Zubac

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Ivica Zubac – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the journey of Ivica Zubac, the Croatian center who rose from European leagues to become a key NBA player for the Los Angeles Clippers. Discover his early life, career milestones, playing philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Ivica Zubac (born March 18, 1997) is a Croatian professional basketball player known for his consistency, defense, rebounding, and efficient play.

Nicknamed “Big Zu” or “Zublock,” he has become an essential frontcourt piece for the Los Angeles Clippers, helping them in crucial playoff runs and establishing himself as one of the dependable interior players in the NBA.

In this article, we’ll trace his journey from Bosnia & Herzegovina / Croatia to the NBA, examine his playing style, and reflect on his impact and philosophy through his words.

Early Life and Background

Although often associated with Croatia, Zubac was born in Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 18, 1997. Čitluk, just east of the Croatian border, and holds Croatian citizenship, identifying strongly with Croatia in terms of national basketball representation.

His family background includes a close connection to basketball: his cousin, Zoran Planinić, was also a professional basketball player, and has been cited as an influence and motivator in Ivica’s career.

From a young age, Zubac was immersed in the Croatian basketball infrastructure, joining the youth system at Cibona Zagreb, one of the prominent clubs in Croatia.

Youth & Early European Career

Zubac’s path to professional play began in Croatia’s domestic leagues:

• In the 2013–14 season, he played for Zrinjevac, the second division in Croatia, gaining experience in a competitive setting.

• The following season he joined the senior team of Cibona Zagreb, competing in the Croatian top division, the Adriatic League, and FIBA Europe Cup tournaments.

• In February 2016, due to financial challenges at Cibona, he left the club and signed with Mega Leks in Serbia, which gave him further exposure and opportunities to develop.

During his youth national team years, Zubac also shined:

• At the 2013 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship, he represented Croatia.

• At the 2015 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, he averaged about 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds, earning All-World Championship U19 Second Team honors.

• In the 2015 FIBA Europe Under-18, he averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding and made the all-tournament second team.

These accomplishments in Europe and youth tournaments paved the way for his leap to the NBA.

NBA Career & Milestones

Draft & Early Years with the Lakers

In the 2016 NBA Draft, Zubac was selected with the 32nd overall pick (2nd round) by the Los Angeles Lakers.

He signed with them and made his NBA debut on November 2, 2016, scoring 6 points in that game.

Throughout his first seasons, he oscillated between the NBA and the G League (Los Angeles D-Fenders / South Bay Lakers) for development, gaining experience and adjusting to the physicality of the league.

His rookie year included performances like pulling rebounds, blocking shots, and posting double-doubles, showing glimpses of his potential.

Trade to the Los Angeles Clippers & Growth

On February 7, 2019, Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers (along with Michael Beasley) in exchange for Mike Muscala.

With the Clippers, Zubac’s role grew in both regular season and playoffs. He became a more consistent contributor, particularly on defense, rebounding, and interior presence.

Notable achievements and landmarks in his Clippers tenure:

• In 2020, he posted 21 points and 15 rebounds on 100% shooting in just 24 minutes — becoming the first player in the shot-clock era to reach at least 20 points and 15 rebounds with perfect shooting in under 30 minutes.

• In 2022, he signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the Clippers.

• In November 2022, he posted 31 points and 29 rebounds in a single game — an extraordinary stat line that few have matched.

• In the 2024 playoffs, on April 21, he scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a playoff victory over the Mavericks.

• On August 30, 2024, he agreed to a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension, reflecting his rising value.

In the 2024–25 season, Zubac had a breakout year: he averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game with a field goal efficiency of 62.8%.

That season earned him Second Team All-Defensive honors — a testament to his impact on both ends of the floor.

He also received significant consideration in award voting: finishing second in Most Improved Player voting and placing among defensive award citations.

By the end of the 2024–25 regular season, Zubac had firmly established himself as a two-way interior threat.

Style of Play, Strengths & Philosophy

Playing Style

As a 7’0″, 240-lb center, Zubac brings size, skill, and discipline to the paint.

His game is characterized by:

• Efficient scoring around the rim — primarily through high-percentage shots and selective touches.

• Strong rebounding — on both offensive and defensive boards, often making second-chance opportunities or ending opponent possessions.

• Interior defense and rim protection — contesting shots, altering opponent attempts, and providing a physical presence in the paint.

• High basketball IQ and positional awareness — knowing where to be, bodying up, and making smart rotations.

• Durability and stamina — his ability to log heavy minutes in playoff and high-leverage situations has become a hallmark.

In interviews, Zubac has noted how moving to the NBA gave him more opportunities for one-on-one play — which suits his inside instincts — versus European play where help defense and collective schemes are often more restrictive.

Growth & Mindset

Zubac’s recent seasons suggest that he’s embraced leadership and accountability, stepping up when his team needed it.

He has spoken about being undervalued or underestimated — using critics and narratives as fuel rather than discouragement.

He has also discussed the mental and physical adjustments needed to sustain peak performance — elevating preparation, recovery, and consistency.

Memorable Quotes by Ivica Zubac

Here are some meaningful lines attributed to Zubac, giving insight into his mindset:

“The only thing I can do is work hard and hope that they’re gonna call my name.”

“When you’re not playing you’re not feeling good because this is what I’m doing my whole life. Now when I’m finally in the rotation, everything else feels much better. Life is much better.”

“Here you get to play one on one more, individual basketball. I think that fits me better than in Europe.”

(On youth criticism) “When I was like 19 ½, people were like, ‘He should go back to Europe.’ People are impatient.”

These quotes reflect humility, perseverance, and a determination to let his play speak for itself.

Legacy, Influence & Future Prospects

Zubac’s trajectory is significant in several respects:

• He is becoming an example of a European center who has fully adapted to NBA play, especially in roles that demand both offense and defense.

• His ability to take on more responsibility and improve annually demonstrates a growth mindset, which younger Croatian and European players can look to.

• He has helped the Clippers in achieving deeper playoff runs, providing stability in the interior — a key part of modern NBA team construction.

• His contract extensions and accolades (like All-Defensive honors) validate that his contributions are recognized.

Looking ahead, if Zubac continues trending upward, he could contend for All-NBA interior honors, and might be among the leading Croatian players of his generation in NBA history.

Conclusion

Ivica Zubac’s story is one of steady progression — from his roots in Bosnia & Herzegovina / Croatia, through European leagues, to a significant and rising role in the NBA. He blends size, efficiency, defense, and mental toughness.

His quotes reveal a player grounded in work ethic, resilience, and a desire to maximize his opportunities. Zubac is more than a role player now; he is becoming a cornerstone and a model for perseverance and growth.

If you’d like, I can produce a year-by-year stat analysis, or compare Zubac’s development to other European centers (e.g. Nikola Jokić, Jonas Valančiūnas). Would you like me to go deeper?