Comments about ‘BYU hoops legend is subject of film’

My dad played with him at BYU back in the 70's and then they both played back in Yugoslavia together. All I can say is that he Kresmir was a remarkable person.

Kresh was not only an amazing athlete, but an even more amazing man. Some of my fondest hoops memories are of watching him and his taammates fill the brand new Marriott Center with a brand of full-court basketball rarely seen nowdays. Although 6'11" or thereabout, Kresh ran the break like a point guard often dishing behind the back passes to unsuspecting teammates. His play was sometimes reminsicent of a very tall Pete Maravich.

For many years I travelled all over the former Yugoslavia on business assignments where the mere mention of Cosic's name would lead to reverential comments and praise of a true Yugoslav hero.

The good he did for the church in Yugoslav and indeed in the entire former communist bloc is immeasurable. He literally opened doors to the missionaries that no one else could have opened.

Truly look forward to seeing this documentary on this great pioneer and hero.

As an LDS missionary in Belgium in the early 90's, I met a Croatian family who was seeking asylum in Belgium from the war in Croatia. They were very educated, upper-class citizens in Croatia (the husband was an economist and the wife a pediatrician), but they were living in very humble conditions in Belgium.

They didn't speak French, but spoke good English and I think they were just looking for someone to have a conversation with. When we first met with them, we tried to discuss religion, but they preferred to talk about NBA basketball, particularly their favorite team, the Utah Jazz. Nonetheless, we left a copy of the Book of Mormon with them in Croatian and made a follow-up appointment the following week.

When we returned the next week, they were different people and were eager to discuss religion. I asked what sparked this interest and they opened the cover of the Book of Mormon and pointed the name of the translator: Kresmir Cosic. They said, "This is a man that we respect more than any other man and if this is what he believes, then we want to learn more about it."

Can't wait for the film!

Behind the back, under the legs, fast break layup from the free-throw line, WOW basketball from Cosic. Not only was he a great player but very entertaining. Who could ever forget that big grin as he ran back on defense after bringing the crowd to our feet on a great play.

The only thing more remarkable than his playing were the stories of his life afterword. Floyd Johnson used to tell stories of Kresmir Cosic's life. The remarkable conversion and miracles as an unofficial missionary.

I can't wait.

Our Son Lloyd was a student at B.Y.U When Cosic was playing Basketball He had the opportunity ro teach him English.He gave two tickits to Della nd I and we had the opportunity to be at the game that he shot twelve for twelve from the field,which was a record that stood for many years.He was one of the greatest players to play at the .Y. He set a good example and always showed good sportssmanship.

I hope the documentary is full of basketball highlights while the interviews are playing.

I visited Zagreb in 1985 traveling through I visited the church there. At the time there were only 20 members in the whole country. The older couple missionaries from the US told me about Cosic. To illustrate just how amazing he was, they told me Cosic would play Church videos during basketball half times in Croatia. Truly a fearless missionary. An amazing example. Bless his memory.

I met him a few times while attending BYU. He was a dynamic but kind person and I am certain he was loved and admired by those who truly knew hom.

I know the name, but know very little about this man. I'm excited to see this documentary and to learn about him! I hope some the stories shared here are included.

As a young kid I loved watching Cosic and his unique basketball skills and I'll always remember his skills and his flamboyant personality and seeing his Jersey retired is a fond memory for my wife and I and his autographed photo is my most prized item in my collection of BYU memorabilia. Looking forward to the documentary.

I saw Cosic play every year that he was at BYU. He was a fantastic player. In one game, he shot 100% from the field and the line. I followed his career after he returned home. He was a spiritual rarity and almost established the Church in Croatia. At least I like to think so. I hope I get to see the ducumentary. A special thanks to those responsible for its production.

My Dad worked at BYU in the early 70's, and at the age of 11 I watched Cosic play in the old Field House. When the Marriot (Athletic) Center opened, Cosic filled it to capacity with his flamboyant style of play. Because players back then could not legally dunk, Cosic would still put an exclamation point on a layup by taking off barely inside the free throw line, pulling up his knees, and with the ball between his knees, lay the ball up gently over the rim. (This move made the front page of the Daily Universe on at least one occasion.)

My Dad and I saw every game the first 2 years the "BIG MAC" opened and, every time I've been in the Marriot Center since, I think of Kresimir Cosic and the joy of being 12 and watching a true hero play. To see his number retired, make this old mans heart glad.

I too, eagerly await the documentary.

I was a missionary in Italy in the late 70's, where Cosic was Branch President in Bologna. He was captain and star player of the Italian pro basketball team and led them to the semi-finals of the European championship, scoring 40 points. Thereafter he was known as "Senior Quaranta".

In 1985, I went with some family members to Italy and crossed over the border to Yugoslavia at Gorizia. The guards were not eager to let us in and when I went in to have our visas stamped I noticed a basketball calendar on their wall. I asked them if they had heard of Cosic. Of course they had. I told them I had gone to the same university as Cosic and had seen him play every game.

They replied, "You're from Provo, Utah? From BYU? Then they wanted to shake my hand. On the way back out of the country a couple of hours later, these two guards stood there in their gray uniforms and rifles, waving vigorously at us with big grins.

We need more people like Cosic in the world...

I wish the article would have included a picture.

While I am not too familiar with the details, if my memory is accurate another noted LDS figure, Hugh Nibley, was involved in the conversion of Cosic. I believe a daughter of his married Kresmir.

To answer Wes's question, Hugh Nibley's daughter, Christina, marred another Croatian athlete, a tennis player, whose name escapes me. Via this Croatian connection, Kresho met Hugh Nibley who was instrumental in teaching him the gospel.