Presenting the award to the 27-year-old point guard at a reception in the Presidential Palace, the president said that a better society is created by exceptional individuals.

According to Pahor, Dragić belongs to "people who are exceptional personalities and who represent an example and inspiration to the entire community with their good deeds, small or big."

Despite being an excellent athlete, he is very simple and open, and he makes his presence felt when it comes to community and humanitarian activities, Pahor said, praising Dragić for his initiative to help the flood-stricken areas in Bosnia and Serbia.

Receiving the award, the NBA star said it is an honour to be received by the president and that he will continue to provide inspiration to the young people and help people in need as much as he can.

Playing his sixth season in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns, Dragić emerged as one of the best guards in the league, leading the team to a 23-win improvement while establishing career highs in scoring and field goal percentage.

He also received international recognition this season, making the all-tournament team of 2013 EuroBasket in Slovenia and being voted the fifth best European player in a poll carried out by FIBA Europe.