Mario Hezonja to join UNICS Kazan / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Zuma Press – Scanpix Credit Zuma Press – Scanpix

Mario Hezonja's late negative response to Panathinaikos's proposal for a two-year contract became known at dawn, while a few hours later the Croatian forward himself took a clear position for the first time, confirming that he decided to refuse the offer of the "Greens" because he couldn't make a decision based solely on sentimental grounds.

Mario Hezonja

Position:SGAge:26Height:202 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:Dubrovnik, CroatiaProfileNewsStatistics

According to the latest reports from Croatia, however, the most important reason for “Super Mario " to move away from the safe choice of returning to Athens, was the prospect given to him by Velimir Perasovic and the role he would have at UNICS Kazan.

The two men had a meeting in Dubrovnik, where the 56-year-old coach took the chance to explain to his countryman his plan for the new season, the money he could offer him, but above all the leading role the latter will have if he accepts the offer that was already on the table for him.

All indications right now lead to Hezonja signing with the Russian team, something that would mean that he will visit OAKA as an opponent on November 9, when Panathinaikos welcome last year's EuroCup finalists. UNICS appear to be in the process of negotiations with FC Barcelona, regarding the 26-year-old's buy-out, which amounts to 400,000 euros.

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