Zdravko Kurilić played basketball for Kreka and Sloboda in Yugoslavia before becoming a referee in the sport in 1977. Kurilić officiated in multiple matches in the Yugoslav First Basketball League including an infamous play-off match between Jugoplastika and Partizan in 1989. Partizan’s forward Žarko Paspalj was unhappy with some of the decisions made by Kurilić during the game, which led to their head coach Duško Vujošević verbally assaulting Kurilić, taking his team off the court and not returning. Prior to the walk-off, Jugoplastika were leading 75–70, with the score being registered as the result of the match. On the international stage Kurilić refereed in 160 matches, including five editions of the European Championships and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Yugoslavia