PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On the same day an attempted military coup unfolded in Turkey, a Sixers lottery pick, who knows the country well, officially signed to play in Philadelphia next season.

Dario Saric was selected by the Sixers in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. Since then, he's been playing basketball professionally in Istanbul. Despite everything happening there now, he's trying his best to stay focused on his career:

Sixers Officially Sign Dario Saric

"This is a time just about basketball. It's not about the situation in Turkey," Saric said.

The 6'10" forward has played the last two years in Turkey for Anadolu Efes and is a native of Croatia. He will lead the Croatian team into the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He says the uprising and everything leading up to it did not impact his decision to come to Philadelphia when he did:

"I'm really sorry about what happened in Turkey, but the only reason why I'm here is basketball."

Uprising In Turkey Hits Home For Philadelphia Student

He adds he's excited to begin his journey as Sixer.