He Was WARNED Not to Talk Trash...But Didn't Listen!

I have a personal story to share with Drazen. I was a young prospect back then, played in junior team of Cibona Croatian champion, where Drazen used to play. After a summer practice, our couch says: ok guys, you're shooting 3s and the one who wins, stays at an additional practise. We were like, wtf? But I won anyway, I was really good back then. Next thing I know, Drazen walks onto the court, introduces himself and we spent 2 hours in practice. Everything he did, I had to do to. 25 free throws Drazen, 25 free throws me, with Drazen passing me the ball. It was unreal. Oh, and did I mention this was when he was already a huge Nets star and he was in Zagreb on "vacation". Every day he spent in practise. That's how motivated he was. Thanks for this video @Cosgrove, made me cry.
Edit: wow guys, I did not expect this... I'm really glad you liked the story . Thanks for all the love

He had an apartment in Hackensack, NJ, during the season and I often had breakfast with him at a local diner. He would always sit at a table away from any TV set because there was a terrible war going on in his Country and he couldn't bear to watch. He was a wonderful man, soft spoken and respectful.
After the tragedy in Germany all basketball fans and in particular NJ Nets fans were in shock and, to this day, I still think of him once in a while. He was a great, great player.
There was a day when a mass was held in NYC at the Croatian Catholic Church so that fans, fellow teammates and NBA dignitaries could pay their respects. I was fortunate to be at the mass and it was a very stirring moment. Drazen's mother said his favorite piece of music was 'Ave Maria' and a woman sang it beautifully at the mass and believe me when I tell you, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. For the rest of my life whenever I hear that beautiful song I will always think of that woman singing it at the mass in his honor.

I remember Petrovic clearly. I was 17 when he passed away. Living in NJ and going to Nets games Drazen was 1 of the only stars on the team. He gave real hope to us winning. He was an actual Star and he shined blindingly bright if only for a short time. Cant forget a guy like that. RIP Drazen.

As a native Portlander, I am ashamed at how poorly we treated Drazen. May God forgive us!

Damn, I hadn’t heard of him and am not much of a basketball enthusiast but this was an exciting reel! Then it hit me like a ton of bricks when it was revealed that his life was cut short in an accident. Totally knocked the wind out of my sails. RIP Drazen.

Much respect for Drazen and his ability to not back down and to play the game he loved. His energy, confidence, mindset, and work ethic is something we all can appreciate. Definitely another great talent gone to soon!

Died young, but still managed to immortalize himself into the basketball history. That deserves respect.

Drazen! ...I hated him for what he did to Italian teams he played against, but, when he died I cried like I had lost one of my family. We miss you!

May Drazen Petrovic never be forgotten. What a legend he was. Another one taken too soon.

It's a shame I didn't know about Drazen Petrovic until he died. Thanks for this video laying out this historical tribute to his talent, his fighting spirit, and the Euro legacy he brought to the NBA.

I'm not even a basketball fan and I enjoyed this video immensely. It's fascinating to see 2 people so skilled and so competitive to one another that it left us all spellbound. Rest in peace Drazen.

Much respect to Drazen : He was a true legend who should be credited more for his basketball gifts..

I was a 21 year old Nets fan in 93 when my best friend called to tell me that Drazen had died in that car crash in Germany ..I cried like a little kid, like all Nets fans, I was devastated..Went to his Jersey's retirement game against the Pacers at the start of the season with a girl I had just started dating and I cried through the entireme ceremony. My favorite Net ever...rest in peace Drazen.. Pucaj Tricu!

Growing up in Chicago I was a huge NBA fan going back to before Jordan played in the NBA. I got to see Jordan play live and also watched every game on tv. I watched those games that Drazen played against the Bulls and Jordan plus any other games Drazen played in that were broadcast nationally. He was a true superstar and not only the best European player I have ever seen but, simply one of the best NBA players I have ever watched. At the end of the season before he died I remember thinking, wow wait till next year, he will be a marquee player. It’s such a shame that he lost his life so young. The NBA not only lost a great player but a great ambassador to the game. The only other players that I have seen play with the same heart and determination were Jordan and Larry Bird and Kobe. What a huge loss, Rest In Peace.

Dude was a Savant, WELL AND TRUELY ahead of his time, We see what guards were doing in 2018-2019, splitting doubles, running around screens to get open threes, being one of the toughest to guard at the rim, and applied it in an era known as the Big Man era. You can’t take anything away from him.

Having watched all his career and having been on his funeral, I can only thank you for this video and a great memory of one-of-a-kind human being.

A completely wonderful player, incredible shooter. He played in Spain, Real Madrid team. Same as Fernando Martin, they both died in car accidents and we were very sad for it. Petrovic was practically unstoppable in the basketball court.

I had the honor of meeting him at basketball camp when I was young and you could just see that he had the Charisma and the talent and the heart for being a great basketball player and it was it was a tragic of losing him at such a young age and there won't be anybody like him again you know but he sure to give Michael a good tough battle

Drazen was a beast! Imagine the mental toughness you needed to have to go tit for tat with MJ and not break. Now, imagine facing MJ with the Dream Team and still thinking "we have a chance, boys!" and he played like it. Guy was fearless AF!

Growing up in NJ and going to Nets games, I quickly became a Drazen fan. I remember this 1 game he scored every OT point in a Nets win and on the way out I purchased his jersey...the 1st one I ever owned. I'll never forget listening to the radio while laying in bed and hearing the news of his death when I was 15. Never thought you could be emotionally connected to someone you've never met, but I cried my eyes out that day. You were one of the best basketball players I've ever seen Drazen and I love you for playing hard and never taking it for granted. Thanks for the memories 😢 ❤️

Never heard of this guy, but goodness what a beast from what I see in this clip. Cut short so young and suddenly. Much respect to him! 🏀

Loved Drazen's game. He was a part of what got me seriously playing hard even when the odds where against our team

Such a shame to lose such an immense talent and great human being..RIP Drazen 🙏🏻

Im in tears thanks for this i really didnt k ow about him now i do and he was truly amazing r.i.p "Drazen" :(

I was a 15-years-old growing up in a Chicago suburb when Petro died. I'll never forget the immense sadness that I felt. Petro was fearless and obliterated the myth that Euro players were soft and couldn't play in the NBA. He will always be a legend!

Cannot believe that I can't remember this guy. What a legend. Imagine what he might have become.

Damn Drazen, you went at the GOAT like you belonged on his level and you held your own every time. RIP

Man I forgot how good this guy was. A shame he passed away so young.

wow i feel this shows how important a team is. michael always had a team behind him where Drazen clearly the mvp on this team and gave his full heart into it.

One of my favorite all time players of all time I would watch the nets just to see him shoot pure magic .the will he had to win was impeccable. So sad he tragically died on June 7 1993 he was one of the best and would have been even better .you are still missed draz.but never forgotten can't believe it's almost 30 years you left us R I P brother I hope to meet you on the other side

He played basketball for the thrill of the game and to face strong people. Nothing but respect for this man

Drazen was such a baller. I teared up at the end. Gone too soon

He is from Croatia, but don't forget that he played for Yugoslavia most of his career! Such a shame he is not among us. He will be remembered as one of the best players ever. R.I.P. legendo!

As a 90's kid. I remember some of those iconic clips. All I want to say is from my heart I thank you for making these videos. You made my day and I have mad respect for your work.

A legend, that left us way too quicly. Remember the day of the accident, still getting tears in my eyes whren remembering it. With his brother Aci, that was a splendid 3 point shootet, they formed a team we ex Yu basketball lovers won't ever forget. Also privately a man of honous and respect. Rip

One of the most underrated players in NBA history. RIP D. Petrovic, NBA really misses players like you

He is the definition of a guy you hate to play against but loved to have on your team.

At least he did what he loved,was well respected by idols not just fans/family & he was really good at something most people dream about! Nothing but love RIP

R.I.Power Drazen...he played with no fear. He was simple one of the best European players I ever saw play in the NBA. And, his duels against MJ bought the best out of MJ because he used to get under MJ's skin like Dumars and Mitch Richmond. I don't know if he ever said it publicly but you could see MJ has MASSIVE RESPECT for Drazen. He reminded me of a younger Oscar Schmidt from Brazil...extremely talented, in elite condition and fearless on the court. Again, R.I.Power Drazen.

What a very talented young player, such a shame his career ended in this way. A Great NBA legend.

Loved his determination. Didn't back down to anybody.

As a Croatian myself I can say that back when he was a kid he didn’t have the conditions to play bc the country was poor and after his basketball training he would break into the gym and train ALONE for 4 hours every day. This man loved basketball soo much and since he died no one in Croatia, imo, even in Europe was born ,to this day,with such love and will for basketball. Rest in peace legend❤️🏀🇭🇷

I was addicted to Basketball at this time. I would never miss a Bulls game. I used to take days off school "sick" just to watch a replay if I missed the game that night. I have to be honest, I can barely remember Drazen. However, this video shows he was loved and respected. RIP.

Great superstar, may he Rest In Peace. What a talent. World class to say the least.

Man this video dang near me got me in tears. Dont ever let anyone convince you cant do something no matter how impossible the goal is.

RIP Drazen. Many my age don’t get to hear about you. Hopefully many more hear about your story

Drazen was awesome. When Dirk came into the league and started to find success, the first thing I thought of was, the second coming of Drazen.

I was living in New York when Petrovic was balling. He was no joke and did a lot for New York basketball. It was a real shocker when he died. He definitely represented European basketball and got it noticed. Rest in Peace Drazen.

This kid was special and confident. You can tell he would have been one of the best.

Dražen Petrovič was probably the best European Basketball player of all time. I can not stress enough how good this guy was. He was a basketball giant! So sad he passed so soon. What a legend! I'm from Slovenia and we have Luka Dončič now who's walking in his steps but when Dražen was playing with Cibona [his team from Croatia] in the 80s, I watched all their games in the Euro League. They had great duels and legendary finals against Žalgiris and their Sabonis from Lithuania. Sabonis also went to NBA. That was some peak Euro basket at that time. I think at that time Euro basket differed in style more from the U.S. than it does today in a sense that it was harder for Euro players to adapt, but Dražen was all about taking challenges. He was so good! Btw - Croatia in 1992 also had Kukoc and Radja. I think Radja also played in the NBA. Their team back then was certainly #2 in the World at that time. It was no coincidence they ended up in the final, but the dream Team back then was on another level - they should've just went play some intergalactic matches against some Alien basketball team because they were just too strong for anyone here at that time :D :D

I remember these days of great basketball. Drazen definitely was one of the greats from the old school and hard nose basketball days

It HURT 😞 me so bad, when Petrovic died in that unfortunate and fatal car accident. A LEGEND in his own time, and a DEVASTATING blow to the NJ Nets. RIP my dear friend. #BrickCity

When he died it was a gut punch to the league. A lot of players, and coaches like Chuck Daly, really liked and respected this guy.

I'm from his home town of Šibenik, Croatia. And i remember him very well. He was 3 years older than me. And was a national hero already with 18 years. He was a magnet for people,and for girls. He had a beautiful contagious smile, and wonderful curly hair...But he never spent the nights with the girls outside, never drink or whatever young people of his age doing...All he was interested about was basketball. He used to come at 6 in the morning, every morning, before school, put the chairs all over the floor and dribble through them for 2 hours....And shooting from all directions practicing fast release. Then the cleaners would come and at the 8 he would be in his clasroom. And afternoon he would come again and stay on th floor untill midnight. He was just MAD basketball addict. Very polite nice and humble guy outside, but cold stone killer on the floor. Drazen outside, and in the floor, was two completly different persons. He didn't respect even his own brother. Once he had a free throws against his brother team Cibona, in the game that means NOTHING to Dražen, but means EVERYTHING to his brother team. I don't remember what the game was for, but it was important European championship play off game. He was a player of Real Madrid then. It was few last seconds of the game. And Dražen on the free throw line.He was begging Dražen to miss the throws, saying, please, let us pass this, this game means nothing to you. You are already a champions...but we desperately need this game.He was mentioning some big money award too, if they win the game.Dražen was just look at him, gave him one ironic smile and cold as a stone put both throws inside. He just couldn't imagine to loose the game. His brother didn't wanna speak to him for months after that game.

A real gem of a video. I never knew how good he was. Until now, he had no fear.

A life ( and a stellar sportsman ) taken too soon. What a player.

RIP Drazan Petrovic. You were the greatest for me.

What an awesome relationship they had.
Sometimes a bond is built between two great rivals.

Young kids, you dont know how good Drazen was, of you did you would not ever say the words "best shooter ever" on anybody else without thinking. A pleasure to watch him play, true great

Rest on, Drazen. Appreciate what he contributed to the sport and to people who face challenges in any way❤️💯🙏🏾

I do not watch NBA basketball anymore. But back then with players like these, you couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the talent.

Dude was a beast def a guy that wasn’t a house hold name bc of the class of guys he had to compete against but one that could shoot your eyes out like a Red Rider BB gun and had energy like the energizer bunny. #RIP

I remember watching him play. I was an amazing shooter! The guy never missed. He was practically automatic. I was so crushed hearing of his accident bc i knew we missed out in watching a great player entertain us RIP

Petrovic should have been part of the NBA 75, I know his career was cut short, but his legacy still lives on, he opened the path for international players in the NBA.

One summer in the 80s my father was on vacation in Croatia on a searesort. He went in the water seeing a guy he knew, but couldn’t place him in his mind right for the moment, so he greeted the guy and they were small talking in the water for the couple of minutes, suddenly my father realised it was’nt a guy back from home, it was Drazen who he have seen so many times on TV during basketball games. My father were so impressed how kind and humble he was, and felt a little a shamed after meeting the legend. Rip Drazen!

Missed out watching these games back in the days. What a miss... Very sad that we all missed out on Petrovic's talent and on court effort because of the tragic car accident.

The fact that he talked trash to jordan and back it up gives my respect to him. RIP The Fallen Angel.

So sad to lose such an amazing talent at such an early agearly age I never knew until this day I don't follow basketball but who doesn't know Michael Jordan and Petrovitch now rings a bell and my head everyday from this day forward

Rest in peace, Drazen. He was a great player. I remember him.🙏

I remember getting a Petrovic 1992-1993 Topps Gold Card when I was 12 and was super excited about it haha. Seems like 50 lifetimes ago. But he was an absolute sniper with the basketball. Dude could put your lights out all day with long / short-range jumpers.

Drazen was a beast!!! He always gave mj a hard time!!!! R.i.p

Croatia had an amazing team, but imagine playing against united Yugoslavia. I remember our Greek team playing against them and Drazen was a nightmare although still young. Definitely one of the best European players of all time.

I had the honor of knowing him personally as a kid, he was our hero. And really great and simple guy. You are truly missed Dražen.

I come back every month just to rewatch this! Cosgrove never disappoints !!!!💯💯💯

I remember him well on the Blazers, I live in Portland and followed the team at the time, it was a difficult situation for him because the Blazers already had Clyde Drexler as the starting SG, and next to Jordan he was the top SG in the NBA at the time. Petrovic could clearly play but he wasn't going to get significant PT on the same team as Clyde the Glide. I was happy for him when he went to NJ and got some real playing time, then proved he was for real in the NBA. The car accident was a shock, he was so young and still had years ahead of him in the NBA. A shame.

He could achieve so much more. It's such a tragedy. Croatian team was playing in Germany and everybody was flying back home but he decided to drive back with his girlfriend. I remember when it happened. The whole country was in shock.

I remember watching this guy play in the NBA back then and remember saying to myself... This guy is fearless 🔥🔥🔥

Počivaj u miru legendo💞💞💞🙏

Respect 🔥 The fact that Petrovic came up against Jordan with all he’s got just shows how confident and capable he was and how much he loved the game. Challenging the GOAT and not backing down warrior style, always giving the game his best, pioneering European basketball, mad respect right there. R.I.P. legend 🙏🏻

RIP Drazen. Fantastic player, loved to see him lighting up the bulls and Jordan.

Wow!! I will forever remember this guy!! What a legend !!

And as it turned out...he was all that, and much more!
Dude played up in the lights! A true highflyer!

This was great, I followed Drazen Petrovich career and a heck of a ball player, jumpers out of nowhere and baseline moves, if he was on a more talented team he would have won multiple championships, yes he was that good and still very great in Heaven.

Počivaj u miru legendo!

Petro was unreal....I consider myself lucky to have seen so many of his games while he was on the Nets. Just a special player.

What a sad ending to a wonderful beginning RIP legend.

He was a legend, and had team power, May his soul rest in peace

Personally he is not just the best European player, i think he is the best player of all time. People praise his game in the NBA with the Nets and he only played for the Nets with 10% his capacity. He only needed a little more time to adapt to the NBA tempo and if Portland gave him green light from the get-go he would have been greater than MJ. Things he was doing was unreal and his work ethics and killer instinct, when challenged, were out of this world. RIP

i remember their battles on the court. thats how good this guy was.

He was the best player we will all miss him he was too young to leave

Such a pity that most of today's NBA fans and even those of that time haven't had the chance to watch Drazen at his pre-NBA years in Europe. Playing for Cibona Zagreb and later on for Real Madrid he was literally unstoppable and was capable of taking the whole team on his, then skinny, shoulders to win a game.
Drazen was one of those players that even if you were a fan of the opposing team and he was destroying you bucket after another you just couldn't help admiring him. Just like MJ, people came to see him play even if their beloved team had no chance whatsoever. A true and unique genius of the sport, Drazen's tragic passing at the young age of 28 left me and every other basketball fan in the world in complete shock.
R.I.P. Drazen - I am thankful to have had the chance of seeing you play.
For me you will always be the greatest European player to have ever played the game !

He definitely was a beast rip 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

I was a teenager when he was an actual demon playing for Cibona. When he arrived at Real Madrid before his NBA career, he was virtually unstoppable. He had not only a lethal fast 3 points shoot but also was super-skilled dribbling and a gifted passer. His offensive awareness and aggression were well above his physical abilities. Sure, he was not the NBA athleticism stereotype but damn, he did not need to be athletic to dominate the game! Like other IQ basketball freaks like Stockton, he could push his game further than you could expect. Let's put it simply: he was a European version of Steph Curry. Nothin lesser.

Never head of him as I was too young at his time. My heart sank getting to know such gem only had a short life. My he rest in Perfect Peace.

Jordan loved the challenge. Drazen was fearless because he understood Jordan. Warrior respect.

So sad he was very young. R.I.P. Drazen.

I had to hold my tears in at the end of the video. Never heard of him but respect him so much now after seeing this.
RIP, brata...

The “you ain’t all that” and “you can’t stop me” back and forth is like that masculine trash talk that you just can’t help and actually ramps up the energy of the game. No throwing fists or chairs, just “you’ll regret those words” and then have a dunk or a three pointer to back it up.

Wow thank you for sharing this great video. Drazen is an absolute legend I didn't even know about him, not that I know much about bball but not heard of him nevertheless. He should have been portrayed better for commoners like me to have appreciated him. Legends always live on. Grrrr

I am lucky to have seen Petro on Sports channel on a regular when he was with the Nets it hit me hard when he passed so abruptly he was an incredible passer shooter and defender Petro would have definitely been mentioned for the HOF if he kept those stats going and unfortunately we will never know RIP