Die Ketchman-Drei ist das einzige Mal, dass ich eine VAR wollte.

Croatia's national basketball team coach Tomislav Mijatović has made it clear he is not a supporter of using video assistant referees (VAR) in basketball, despite having one instance where he would have liked to see it applied during a match involving player Kecmanova. Since taking charge of the Croatian national team in May of last year, Mijatović has led his squad to just one loss in official games, with Germany being the only team to defeat them in extra time. Croatia has been on a winning streak in World Cup qualifiers, securing their group with a 5-1 record. The team is now preparing for another challenging group stage in a major international tournament. Mijatović, who has extensive experience working under some of the biggest names in European basketball, including Neven Spahija, Jasmin Repese, Velimir Perasović, Josip Vranković, and Dušan Ivković, took over as head coach of the Croatian national team after previously serving as an assistant coach in several top-tier clubs. His career path includes stints with Cibona and later moving to Turkey’s Efes Pilsener, where he became a legend through his work in all coaching roles, both in the first and second teams. Under his leadership, Efes won two EuroLeague titles and three Turkish league championships. In recent World Cup qualification matches against Cyprus and Israel, Croatia secured dominant victories, showcasing the team's ability to perform even when facing opponents with different levels of readiness. Mijatović emphasized the importance of treating each opponent with maximum seriousness, regardless of their preparation or absences due to injuries or other issues. This approach has translated into consistent performance and a growing confidence among players and fans alike. The challenge of assembling a national basketball team in Croatia is compounded by the influence of the NBA, which dictates the rhythm of the season, and club restrictions that often prevent players from participating in international competitions. Despite these obstacles, Mijatović has managed to bring together a diverse group of players from various leagues, including the NBA, NCAA, Euroleague, and Eurocup. Players such as Nikola Zubac, Dario Šarić, and Ansu Kaboré have shown commitment to representing their country, with some even relocating temporarily to ensure they can participate in national team activities. Mijatović acknowledged the increasing trend of European players moving to the United States to play in the NCAA, which offers substantial financial rewards and exposure. While he does not view this as a negative development, he recognizes the impact it has on the structure and dynamics of international basketball. The movement of talent to American universities presents both challenges and opportunities for Croatian basketball, requiring coaches and administrators to adapt their strategies accordingly. As the national team continues its preparations for upcoming tournaments, Mijatović remains focused on maintaining stability, humility, and dedication within the squad. His emphasis on continuous learning and adapting to evolving trends in the sport underscores his commitment to building a competitive and resilient team capable of achieving success on the global stage. With a strong foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, Croatia's national basketball team is poised to make its mark in international competition.