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Dario Saric Named Europe Young Player Of The Year

By Ray Boyd

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Being a Sixers fan these days is a true exercise in patience. While we wait for the plan to come together, there is one piece of the puzzle that continues to shine.

The only issue is that piece is still overseas.

Dario Saric, the pride of the Sixers overseas prospects, has won the FIBA Europe Young Player of the Year. This is the second consecutive year that Saric has won the award.

Saric, 20, has become widely regarded as the best player overseas that is waiting for their call to the NBA. The young Croatian forward is under contract with his Turkish club through next season and there is an option for an additional season.

On the year, Saric is averaging 11.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists. In November, he was named the league's MVP for the month. He was the youngest player in league history to win the honor.

At 6'10", Saric has played every front court position this season. His versatility allows him to play away from the basket and he has shown an impressive ability to create his own shot off the dribble.

He also has tremendous court vision for his size and can find open teammates from a number of spots on the floor.

It may be hard for Sixers supporters to continue to wait for Saric, but all is going according to plan right now for the young forward. It looks like there may be a very nice reward for all of our patience.

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