Meet Your Trojans: Damir Hadzic

LITTLE ROCK – This week's Meet Your Trojans subject is Damir Hadzic, a freshman on the men's basketball team. Although Hadzic did not compete for the Trojans in 2016-17, he has been able to practice with the team and has been attending classes since enrolling in January.
 
Hadzic was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia, but moved to Italy as a child due to lingering conflicts from the Bosnian War. His father, Sabit Hadzic, coached the Bosnian national team and as a player won a bronze medal with Yugoslavia at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
 
What made you want to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock?
 
The first thing was the record they had in 2015-16. Thirty wins was really impressive. They made it to the tournament and I heard that it was a good, serious basketball program. That was the main reason.
 
What are your favorite things to do in Little Rock?
 
I like to go to the mall. Park Plaza is really nice. I just like to hang out with my friends, go to the movies, go to eat, all that stuff. I like the Japanese place, Samurai. And I like Chick-fil-A, too, even though it is fast food. I like action movies and horror movies. And I love Italian movies and shows.
 
What is the best part of being a Trojan?
 
I love it here. I think the best part is the facilities for basketball. Great gym, nice practice gym, weight room, training room – it's all perfect. We have all we need. And we have nice coaches who are always trying to help us get better.
 
What is one thing most people don't know about you?
 
I think I am a tough guy who can be sensitive. But I've been through a lot, so I am here chasing my dreams, working hard to see where I end up.
 
What is the earliest memory you have of playing basketball?
 
My father was a basketball player and when I grew up he was a basketball coach. So I remember when he was coaching the national team in Bosnia, and he brought me to one of his practices. I can remember bouncing the ball around at those practices. That's probably my earliest memory.
 
What is the most interesting thing you have learned recently?
 
I think the constant work here has taught me that, day by day, you have to get better. The most important thing I've learned here is that every day is important and every day you need to find a way to get better. Step by step – don't look back, just look forward.
 
What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
 
From my mom, I love her lasagna. She is Bosnian but she can cook Italian food. And her pizza, too. From my dad, I love his steak. He cooks it his type of way, I don't know the ingredients, but it is really good.
 
What is the best advice you have received?
 
I think just the general motivation I get from my parents. Keep working, keep studying, get ahead in school, and just move forward. When I am in a bad mood or something, they can call me and give me good advice.
 
What is the best reason people should support the Trojans?
 
I think the passion for basketball here is great. Even this year, when we lost a few games, people were still showing up and still supporting us. That really got my attention and I thought that was really cool. Not all schools are like that. The people here love basketball.
 
What does Little Rock's GRIT mission statement (Greatness, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork) mean to you?
 
That is what Coach Flanigan says to us every day in practice. It is about discipline, hard work, respect and being a good teammate.