When the Los Angles Lakers drafted Croatian center Ivica Zubac with their 32nd pick in the 2016 NBA draft, fans scrambled to the Internet in search of highlights from the international seven-footer. What they found were snippets of Zubac’s play with Cibona and the Mega Leks of Serbia, but still plenty was left unknown.
Prior to Zubac’s NBA Summer League debut, Zubac had yet to participate in a full practice with his summer league squad, and fans anxiously awaited their first glimpse at the Lakers second-round draft pick. And then, came the nickname: ZUBLOCKA, as Zubac exploded for three blocks in his first game, to go along with 11 points and five boards.
Zubac continued to exceed expectations throughout summer league, averaging 10.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in his five contests and drew praise from both his coaches and teammates for his skill level and enthusiasm. Relive all the highlights above, as you get prepared for the 2016-17 season.