Mario Hezonja

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Rankings

Covers

Records

Mario Hezonja's career is defined by being one of the top European prospects of his generation. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft, the highest for a Croatian player since Darko Miličić in 2003. After a solid but unspectacular NBA stint, he returned to Europe and became a champion with Real Madrid, winning the EuroLeague in 2023. He has won multiple Spanish league and cup titles, and his EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2015 highlighted his potential. His flashy style and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite in both Croatia and Spain.

AwardsHezonja won the EuroLeague Rising Star award in 2015 as the top young player in Europe. He has multiple Spanish domestic titles: three ACB league championships (2014, 2023, 2024), three Copa del Rey wins (2013, 2021, 2024), and two Spanish Super Cups (2022, 2023). His biggest team achievement came in 2023 when Real Madrid won the EuroLeague championship. At the youth level, he was MVP of the 2012 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship.

Rankings & Lists

Bleacher Report Top 50 NBA Draft Prospects

Bleacher Report·2015

ESPN Top 100 NBA Draft Prospects

ESPN·2015

Magazine Covers

Basketball Sphere

2015

NBA Draft Journey

Sportske novosti

2015

Croatian NBA Draft Hope

EuroLeague Magazine

2023

Return to Europe and Success with Real Madrid

Records & Feats

Highest Croatian NBA draft pick since 2003

Career Milestone·2015

Selected 5th overall in 2015, the highest for a Croatian player since Darko Miličić went 2nd in 2003.

EuroLeague Rising Star winner

Awards·2015

Named the top young player in the EuroLeague in 2015, recognizing his impact at age 20.