Goran Dragić is one of the most recognisable players of the Miami Heat in the NBA league, which made it to this year’s final series of one of the greatest professional basketball leagues in the world. With his exceptional plays on the court, this excellent Slovenian basketball player is, first and foremost, a team leader with a capital L. He had already proven this at the European championship in 2017, when he led the Slovenian national team as captain to the title of European champions. Goran is also a human with a capital H. He passes his basketball knowledge unselfishly to the younger generations, and also participates in humanitarian projects.
Goran Dragić tried everything as a kid. From football to baseball. Eventually, and luckily for Slovenian and world basketball, he ended up playing this sport and sticking with it. Dragić's basketball journey started in the Ilirija Basketball Club. Although he was smaller and weaker than other players, he had the desire to improve, which is why he always played street basketball at the club's outdoor court after practice. His path took him from Ilirija to the Slovan Basketball Club, and at 18 he went international as he was signed by TAU Ceramica of Spain. Before going overseas in 2008 to start his NBA career, he also played for the Olimpija Basketball Club from Ljubljana on loan. At first, he fell slightly short in the NBA, but the feisty Gogi did not give up. Over time, he became the first Slovenian to earn a leading role in an NBA team and started collecting his first individual awards. In 2018, he became the first Slovenian to play in an NBA All-Star Game. Currently, he is writing a new exceptional chapter in his career and in the history of Slovenian basketball with his impressive performances in the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat.
Goran Dragić has "earned" the nickname "The Dragon" because his teammates were not able to pronounce his surname Dragić. The nickname is perfect for Gogi, as he hails from Ljubljana, where a dragon is part of the coat of arms and is featured on the Dragon Bridge. He is very proud of his native city and country, which he also stressed in a documentary for the US television network FOX:
My country, my city, my neighbourhood, and my parents gave me everything and made me what I have become.
Ljubljana, where Goran Dragić spent his childhood years, is the lively capital of Slovenia, which breathes with green lungs. As you explore the main city streets and squares, you are actually only a short walk away from nature and recreational areas.
He almost never rejected playing for the Slovenian national basketball team. He proudly played for Slovenia for 11 years. He made his debut appearance in 2006 at the world championship tournament, when he was just 20 years old. He played at the European Championship in 2009, when Slovenia won what was then a historic 4th place, and at the 2013 EuroBasket, when he was selected among the best five players of the tournament. After the great Slovenian win at the 2017 EuroBasket, he was the first Slovenian basketball player to earn the accolade of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament. For all these years, he has been an important player in the national team, where his energy and knowledge have played a key role.
Goran Dragić comes from a country which is among the most successful countries in the world in terms of medals from major competitions per capita. Athletes are ambassadors of Slovenia of sorts, and Slovenia has proven to be an excellent organiser of major competitions many times. Sport is rooted deeply in the people, as a lot of Slovenians do sports. So, it is not surprising that Slovenians even dedicated a national holiday to sport.
The Goran Dragić Basketball Camp is the most recognisable and well-organised basketball camp in Slovenia. It is distinguished by its excellent practice sessions under the direct guidance of Dragić and an experienced team of coaches. It takes place every year at the famous Rogla Sports Centre, the micro climate of which makes it an ideal practice location for professional athletes and sports teams from all over the world. Every year, the camp features numerous additional activities, through which the organisers want to expand the children's views of the world in addition to teaching them basic basketball skills.
Dragić's camp puts a lot of emphasis on humanitarian work. In addition to the aid that he provides to children from socially disadvantaged families allowing them to attend the camp, all of the funds collected every year are given to individuals in need of aid.
You will certainly never get bored in Rogla. It is a world of active experiences, where you can ski in the winter or enjoy some other winter sport, or take one of the diverse hiking or cycling paths in other seasons.
Dragić's second major humanitarian project is refurbishing basketball courts around Slovenia under the Slogan #PODAMDAIGRAM. The main guideline of the project is to bring different age groups to basketball courts and encourage them to exercise and participate in group activities.
Slovenia provides you with various opportunities to spend your free time actively. What Slovenians like the most is climbing a slope, cycling, or running. Meanwhile, its clear waters beckon you to enjoy water sports. Adrenaline junkies will also get a dose of what they need.
Meet the country of champions of Dragić's stature. Discover the beauty of nature and charming cities. Get to know the most beautiful treasures of Slovenia and taste the best what our green country has to offer. Perhaps you will be also attracted by the venues for world-class sporting events.
Love is experienced through the stomach.
Must-see attractions in green Slovenia!
Active adventures in nature.
Get your voices ready to cheer on your favourites and come to the idyllic environment of Slovenia’s sports venues.
Liveliness of the capital and nature hikes – to primeval forests.
Ljubljana. Vibrant. Lively. A city that combines the charm of a small capital and the confidence of big European cities.
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