Team 2010-11: Manresa (Spain-ACB) Career: Slovan Ljubljana (Slovenia-1A, 2000-03), Benetton Treviso (Italy-Lega A, 2003-05), Udine (Italy-Lega A, 2005), Benetton Treviso (Italy-Lega A, 2005-06), Toronto Raptors (USA-NBA, 2006-07), Triumph Lyubertsy (Russia-Superleague, 2007-08), Fortitudo Bologna (Italy-Lega A, 2008-09), Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-1A, 2009-10), Montepaschi Siena (Italy-Lega A, 2010), Manresa (Spain-ACB, 2010-11)
After an unsuccessful stint in the NBA, Uros Slokar returned to Europe, but never really excelled with either club or country. However, he was given the chance to really shine at EuroBasket 2009 and he went on to prove the doubters wrong, with some solid performances in the knockout stages, averaging 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds throughout the tournament. He then improved his game further at the FIBA World Championship last summer, taking full advantage of additional opportunities presented by the absence of Erazem Lorbek. Slokar has a solid all-round game and can be found mostly on the baseline, or using a quick first-step to get to the hoop. He still needs to toughen up a little in the paint and get smarter, as he is relied upon to try and dominate that area. At times he fouls easily and can be out-powered when boxing-out. He is however a genuine three-point threat and has the potential to be one of the best centers in Slovenian basketball. He improved dramatically two years ago in Poland, upped it a year later on Turkish soil and if that curve of improvement continues, EuroBasket 2011 could be a great one for Slokar. |
