Posted: May 27, 2003

The Phoenix Suns welcomed Yugoslavian forward/center Zarko Cabarkapa to Tuesday’s private pre-draft workout at America West Arena. The 6-11 Cabarkapa was a member of the gold-medal-winning Yugoslavian team at the FIBA World Championships in Indianapolis last summer and can play all three positions in the frontcourt.

Following the workout, Cabarkapa, with the help of his agent and interpreter, Rade Filipovich, sat down with Suns.com for an exclusive interview.

Suns.com: Was this your first workout for an NBA team?

Zarko Cabarkapa: Yes.

Suns.com: Was the workout what you expected?

Cabarkapa: I like this organization. I was very happy to work out for them. I talked to my friends in Yugoslavia, including (Seattle forward Vladimir) Radmanovic and found out what these workouts were going to be like. I flew for 13 hours and I was feeling a little tired. I give up everything on the floor to make it.

Suns.com: Can you talk about your experience on playing on the gold-medal-winning Yugoslavian team, and beating the United States last summer at the World Championships?

Cabarkapa: No one in our own country thought we would beat the United States in Indianapolis, only us players after working hard for two months. We were ready to compete. You give up everything on the floor and we won. There was a huge celebration on our way back in Yugoslavia. There was about one million people waiting for us on the streets. That was very nice experience for me playing on the national team.

Suns.com: Could you describe your basketball game?

Cabarkapa: I like an up-tempo type of game. I like to run the floor. I like to play outside and at the small forward position. I can also play at the four, but I’m obviously much more confident facing the basket. This is my strength, changing direction, running the floor, offensive rebounds and playing hard defense.

Suns.com: How do you feel you stacked up against your American competition today?

Cabarkapa: I’ve already played against Americans on (Yugoslavian) National Team. I know I can compete with them. This was my first practice in Phoenix, but it wasn’t that difficult for me because I was mentally ready. I had a physical disadvantage because I’m tired after the trip and I just finished my season. I’m going to work on my game this summer and I feel I can compete with anybody.

Suns.com: If you’re drafted, is it your intention to play next season in the NBA, rather than overseas?

Cabarkapa: My personal opinion is I can play in the league. That’s no problem and I have a long summer to get ready for that. Obviously, the coaches and summer leagues could help me get ready for that. I think I can help a team immediately.

Suns.com: Is there an NBA player you could compare your game to?

Cabarkapa: I would like to be someday like Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett or Robert Horry. Those are my idols.

Suns.com: Do you have a feeling for where you might go in the draft? First round?

Rade Filipovich: Obviously, we are completely open. We would like to be in an organization like Phoenix, for example, which has international coaches, good young players, excellent point guard, excellent small forward, they have Amaré Stoudemire and we feel he can fit very well with this team.

Suns.com: What do you think of the Phoenix heat (104 degrees on Tuesday)?

Cabarkapa: I like heat. No problem. In Yugoslavia there are only a couple of months like that. I can handle that no problem.