Cleveland Cavaliers fans will have an early chance to catch Mario Hezonja in action.
Having signed for the Cavs on July 26 on a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, Hezonja makes his return to the NBA after a six-year hiatus, having joined from EuroLeague giants Real Madrid. The signing of Peyton Watson will likely see the Croatian start on the bench, but still play a pivotal role with solid minutes.
Still unproven in the NBA, Cavs fans can catch Hezonja in international action as he represents Croatia in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, joining an impressive roster as the national team continues its push toward the 2027 tournament in Qatar.
The forward will line up alongside fellow NBA player Ivica Zubac, while former NBA star Dario Saric also features for Croatia. Saric, who has enjoyed a long NBA career, now plays in the EuroLeague for Anadolu Efes Istanbul.
Croatia’s next qualifying games will see them face Latvia and the Netherlands, with Hezonja looking to carry his superb form on the international stage.
Hezonja has been Croatia’s most pivotal player during their qualifying campaign, averaging 19.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field.
Hezonja has already made history during the qualifiers. In Croatia’s victory over Cyprus, he bagged 11 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, becoming the first player in European World Cup qualifying history to register a triple-double.
That performance has been part of a fantastic campaign for Croatia, who have also secured a 93-88 victory over reigning world champions Germany, reintroducing the nation to the basketball world after missing out on qualifying for last year’s FIBA EuroBasket tournament.
The Germans were without former Cavalier Dennis Schroder for that encounter, but Schroder is set to return and play for Germany in their upcoming fixtures.
Croatia currently hold a 5-1 record, with their First Round results carried over into the Second Round of qualifying. Their strong position leaves them well placed to secure progression, although the competition remains fierce.
A total of 24 teams will be competing in the Second Round, with 12 ultimately earning a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The tournament will be held from August 27 to September 12, 2027.
Their upcoming games against Latvia on August 27 at 1:00 pm EST and the Netherlands on August 30 at 7:30 am EST will air on DAZN via Courtside 1891.
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