OR Turkey will be the opponent of National Greece in the semifinals of Eurobasketwith Ergkin Ataman’s team wanting to put a stop in the negative tradition of the blue -white and of course winning a medal in the event. The profile of… familiar Turks who only count wins in the tournament.
The national Turkey easily overcame Poland’s obstacle (91-77), with the entire Ergkin Ataman having no problem with a team that does not cause terror. After all, the Turks have huge confidence in this year’s Eurobasket, especially after their great victory over Serbia (95-90) which gave them the first to their group.
The Panathinaikos technician, who is also the favorite to win the top coach in the tournament, has made a very tough and athletic team, which loses very difficult, plays defense that exhausts the opponent and is based on his individual talent and quality. To win it you have to have a “clear” mind, not to lose the concentration and dedication to the bench and the behavior of the Turks, who will aim to disrupt the Greek team.
This is, of course, the most difficult team that our country will face in the event, but in no way can national basketball be scared, as Vasilis Spanoulis’ whole has shown that he is not afraid of opponents and seats. After all, we must not forget that after 16 years we are claiming a medal in a big event, having sparked the ghosts of the past. And that in itself shows something.
Key players
The leading Turkish player in the tournament is none other than Alperien Sengun. The Rockets player is one of the most impressive NBA’s tall and so he has stuck the nickname “Baby Jokic” as his style is quite similar to that of Serb.
Sengun so far at Eurobasket scores 21.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists on average, showing that he can be one of the big stars in the coming years in world basketball. At the age of 23, the 2.11 center stands stand out for his technique, his power, and the right decisions he makes in the parquet, with himself scoring and “cleaning” under the racket.
Another headache for the National, who must find a way to limit it and of course not allow him to get the aggressive rebounds that seem to be an area that can make the difference.
At the same time in the roster there is also the acquaintance of his presence in our country and the Panathinaic Centi Osman. The Turkish Forward is the Alter Ego of Schengun, with himself offering scoring solutions (15 points) with more than 50% of three -pointers.
A player who can make a difference and is a barometer for the Turks.
Finally, Shane Larkin cannot be omitted. Turkey’s Naturalise, who has left his own mark on European basketball with Efes jersey, is the third pole of the Turkish team, with his experience and creative – executive abilities to stand out. In his 32 years, the Turkish guard counts 11 points, 4.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds in Eurobasket and is certainly expected to create many problems in the Greek basket.
Turkey’s roster
Atem Bona
Alperien Sengun
Jedi
Erzan Osmani
Erkan Yilmaz
Furk
Jump
Onuling Bitim
Omer Jurtseven
Sertac
Shaine Larkin
Hazer
The road to the semifinals
Turkey-Latvia 93-73
Turkey-Czech Republic 92-78
Turkey-Portugal 95-54
Turkey-Estonia 84-64
Turkey-Serbia 95-90
Turkey-Sweden 85-79
Turkey-Poland 91-77
50 years without a victory with the national
Our country is running an impressive and unprecedented tradition against Turkey, as the last defeat of Greece by the Turks occurred in June 1975 (64-74), with our country since then only counting victories, with the most patron of 2013 (84-61).
Discrimination
Entries in Eurobasket: 26
Medals: 1 (silver 2001)
It is worth noting that this will be the first time that Turkey has returned to the semifinals of a Eurobasket from distant 2001.