At 19 and 6ft 10in, Michael Ružić emerges as Croatia’s next big basketball star

Michael Ružić (Photo credit: fiba.basketball)

Croatia’s national basketball team claimed an important 85:71 victory over Israel in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup, a result that keeps Tomislav Mijatović’s side level with Germany at the top of the group with a perfect 2–0 record.

But while the win was crucial, the night ultimately belonged to one young man.

Michael Ružić, just 19 years old and already standing at 208 cm, delivered the finest performance of his young international career.

Ružić posted 23 points, nine rebounds, and an impressive 11/15 shooting display. He brought energy, maturity, and a calmness unusual for someone of his age.

It was a performance that not only turned heads but also prompted immediate praise from coach Mijatović, who has never been shy about recognising true talent.

“When I speak about players, I always say the same: a player is a player, regardless of age,” Mijatović said after the match. “Michael showed his desire already in the summer. An injury slowed him down a bit, but despite his age and lack of international experience, the sky is his only limit. He knows he must remain humble and hungry.”

A Star From One of Croatia’s Great Sporting Families

Ružić carries a name inspired by two sporting legends, Michael Jordan and Michael Schumacher, and a family tree that reads like a Croatian sporting hall of fame.

His father, Tomislav Ružić, is a former Croatian basketball international, while his mother, Barbara Jelić-Ružić, is one of the greatest volleyball players the country has ever produced, crowned the world’s best on three occasions.

(Photo credit: fiba.basketball)

His uncle Jurica Ružić also carved out a successful basketball career. On the volleyball side, his grandfather Ivica Jelić coached Croatia’s celebrated women’s team, and his aunt Vesna Jelić also represented the national side.

For Michael, carrying such a legacy could be a burden. Instead, he appears to be embracing it with confidence and composure, continuing one of Croatia’s most accomplished sporting dynasties.

At 17, Ružić left Zadar for Spain, signing with Joventut, a club renowned for developing young talent. There he has the invaluable guidance of former Croatia star Ante Tomić, his team-mate and mentor.

A minor injury disrupted the start of his season, limiting him to three league games so far with an average of 7.3 points. Still, Joventut remain confident in his progress.

(Photo credit: fiba.basketball)

Ružić even entered the NBA Draft this summer before withdrawing his name, a move widely interpreted as strategic. He is expected to re-enter next year.

With performances like the one against Israel, it is becoming increasingly clear that Croatia may have found a player capable of anchoring the national team for the next decade and beyond.

Strong, skilled, and remarkably poised, Ružić embodies the qualities fans have been longing to see in a new generation of Croatian basketball.