Former NBA center Mario Kasun didn’t hold back during a podcast conversation back in November. The Croatian big man, known for his physical presence in the paint across Europe and the NBA, voiced strong opinions on what he sees as overreach in modern society.
Kasun, who played 73 games for the Orlando Magic in 2004-06 averaging 2.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, spoke on the Jao Mile podcast hosted by fellow ex-pro Mile Ilic (briefly with the New Jersey Nets). The discussion quickly turned to cultural shifts, with Kasun drawing from life experiences in Spain, where he has resided.
He described feeling that certain laws have detached from everyday reality, using examples of property squatting issues in Europe. Kasun then pivoted directly to social topics, stating he has nothing against gay people personally but believes private matters should remain private.
“Brother, keep it behind closed doors,” Kasun said, according to Heavy. “Now they’ve started to appear in everything. They’re trying to get into schools, teaching 10-year-olds talking about transgenders, gays or lesbians. Well bro, keep it behind closed doors.”
The 7-foot center, a veteran of clubs like FC Barcelona (where he won the Copa del Rey in 2007), Efes Pilsen (Turkish League champion 2009), and Zagreb, added that he has gay friends yet rejects public displays he compares to aggression. “I don’t go around with a **** and hit people in the head with it on the street,” he remarked, drawing laughter from Ilic.
Kasun called himself old-fashioned and pushed back against efforts to normalize certain behaviors. He referenced the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony as an example of crossing lines, describing imagery that he felt mocked Christian faith. “It was made with the highest level of Satanism,” he claimed, noting surprise that the Tate brothers faced criticism for defending faith while others did not.
The conversation touched broader concerns about safety, family futures, and societal changes affecting children. Kasun expressed worry for the next generation, contrasting his own upbringing in Croatia and Serbia with current realities in parts of Europe.
Ilic agreed the push has gone too far, mentioning funding from some governments. Both former players, who built careers through grit in the Adriatic League, EuroLeague, and NBA fringes, framed their views as rooted in traditional values amid rapid cultural shifts.
Kasun’s career highlights include a Bundesliga title with RheinEnergie Koln in 2004, multiple All-Star nods, and strong domestic play in Croatia. At 45, the Split native continues to speak candidly off the court, much like his physical style under the rim during his playing days.
