When Ivica Zubac steps onto the court for the LA Clippers, his huge 7-foot frame and defensive prowess are enough to give any player pause. But before he developed into a household name in the NBA, there was a small-town boy from Bosnia and Herzegovina. And a family that supported him every step of the way. No fanfare, no light, just love, commitment, and faith.
This is the story of Zubac’s roots: not only about the game, but about the silent heroes who ensured that he had all he would require to win.
Who are Ivica Zubac’s parents and what’s their nationality?
Zubac might have been born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his heritage and heart are those of Croatia. It’s not just a formality; it’s about his roots, the history, and the pride that runs deep in his bloodline.
Ivica’s parents, while keeping largely out of the spotlight, were the rock upon which his career was begun. They didn’t crave the limelight, but their impact on Ivica’s journey is unquestionable. From his initial days in Mostar to his decision to pursue basketball professionally, his family was there. Step by step, providing not only encouragement but also the type of guidance that matters most.
Zubac’s father, Ivan, who stood at a giant 6 feet 6 inches tall, was not only a parent. He was Ivica’s early coach, mentor, and his strongest supporter. It was not only about encouraging Ivica to play basketball; it was about giving him the tools to handle everything that came with it.
Who is Ivica Zubac’s father?
Ivan Zubac may not be the kind to hound for fame or attention, but his influence on Ivica’s life is anything but hushed. Towering at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Ivan was more than just any dad. He was Ivica’s mentor on the sometimes hard path of an aspiring young basketball player seeking greatness.
In a country where basketball infrastructure wasn’t exactly booming, Ivan’s role was pivotal. He wasn’t just a cheerleader from the stands; he was on the court, helping Ivica perfect his technique, pushing him through tough times, and giving him the kind of real-world advice that’s only possible when you’ve been through it yourself.
Who is Ivica Zubac’s mother?
Zubac’s mother, Dijana, is the behind-the-scenes force. Though she might not be as out front as Ivan, don’t be mistaken. Her contribution has been equally important. It’s safe to assume that Dijana is the kind of parent who thinks that she should encourage her child’s aspirations from behind the curtain, where the labor isn’t as glamorous but equally important.
What Ivica has clarified in interviews is that his mother’s consistent encouragement and support provided him with the emotional backbone to deal with the trials of becoming a basketball wizard. Whether it was a painful loss or a difficult transition to a new team, Dijana’s affection was the consistent anchor Ivica clung to.
And let’s be honest: for a 7-footer with a cool head on the court, you can attribute a lot of that calmness to Mama Zubac.
Does Ivica Zubac have any siblings?
Zubac is definitely not flying solo. He’s got two younger brothers, Antonio and Mario, and a younger sister, Maria Andejela. Antonio, born in 1999, is following in Ivica’s footsteps, already making a name for himself in Croatian basketball, even having represented Croatia’s U16 national team.
But the basketball legacy doesn’t end with Antonio. As much as Mario and Maria might prefer to stay low-key, the bond between these siblings is unshakeable. They’ve supported Ivica at every stage of his career, showing up courtside for key moments and keeping the family spirit alive, even as Ivica has gone international.
Mar 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac is introduced before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Outside of siblings, Ivica’s cousin Zoran Planinić is a well-known name in the basketball world. A former NBA player with the New Jersey Nets, Zoran was more than just a relative. He was the motivation that led Ivica to believe the NBA was possible. Zoran’s success made Ivica’s dream seem real, proving that the Zubac family’s basketball pedigree runs deep.
The path to the NBA is typically one with flashy moments and instant fame. But for Ivica Zubac, it was about a slower, more deliberate grind. Raised in a modest surrounding in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivica’s rise to stardom came with quiet sacrifices and a level of determination that was cultivated at home.
It wasn’t just about playing basketball; it was about having a family that didn’t let him quit. Whether it was a hard-fought game in Croatia or the life-changing move to the LA Clippers, Ivica’s parents were his biggest support system. They always reminded him to stay humble and focused on what truly mattered.
Now, as Ivica keeps growing as an NBA star, it’s obvious that his story is more than just basketball. It’s about the family that helped him get there. The parents who sacrificed, the siblings who encouraged him, and the cousin who showed him the path to greatness.
So the next time Ivica Zubac takes the court, know that there’s more than just basketball at play. It’s about a family legacy that continues to push him forward, no matter where the game takes him.
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