101 Greats of European Basketball

the new century. In his last two seasons, playing for
Nymburk in the FIBA Europa League, Zidek averaged
almost 18 points and 7 rebounds, showing clearly that
he could still perform. Still, multiple injuries to his left
knee forced him to end his career at age 32.
A commentator on Euroleague.TV
What was lacking in the younger Zidek’s career, as
opposed to his father’s, was a big result with the Czech
national team, as he didn’t have the luck to reach the
biggest events. In the preliminary phase of the 1999
EuroBasket, Zidek averaged 25.5 points and 11.5 rebounds,
but the team missed the big event. And the
Czech Republic also missed the 2001 and 2003 continental
championships.
Zidek was an able player for his size, 2.12 meters,
with good skill, strength and rebounding instincts.
He was also a player who coaches appreciated: not a
superstar, but he always played at a high level. Very
few times after a game could anyone say that Jiri Zidek
didn’t play well. His grades were “good, very good and
excellent”. His father, as I recall, had it easier scoring,
but the son was stronger physically.
For many years now, Zidek has been a regular color
commentator on Euroleague.TV, offering his deep
knowledge and enthusiasm for basketball. Little by
little, he has become one of the true voices of European
basketball. As such, the Zidek name continues in our
sport.
101 greats of european basketball
Jiri Zidek Jr.
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