Turkish NT 2010

[kyosphere]

well, we've been discussing this in other threads but i think we really need to put together some thoughts about world championship.

In my opinion, the experience that we got from the recent EC, will be forgotten on the eve of WC. It's no lie that majority of our population are interested in basketball from one tournament to next tournament. It causes an insufficient situation to argue the choices that's been made. I've come up with a list of questions that could help us share what we're thinking.

-How do you rate our NT since Bogdan Tanjevic took charge? Have we progressed? if we have, in which ways? Do you think that keeping him until 2010 is the right decision? What would you do if you were the head of federation?

-The Okur issue... Given the style of Tanjevic, how well will he fit in? Is it better to write him off the list of 2010? Do you think that he's reluctant to play for NT? if yes, Can hosting a WC add him desire?

-How about former internationals? Is there a chance for Kaya Peker, Serkan Erdogan, Ermal Kuqo in 2010? given the recent replacement issue of PF position while Kerem Gonlum was absent, did you wish Mirsad Turkcan were on the court? Do you want to see him play for NT?

-We have seen how fragile our team is. How can we get over it? What do you expect from our team in 2010? or What kind of team that you want to see? How should we play both offense and defense, and how do you think we're going to play?

-finally can you list your 12 men squad?


Let's discuss!

[hotjam_2]

well, we've been discussing this in other threads but i think we really need to put together some thoughts about world championship.

In my opinion, the experience that we got from the recent EC, will be forgotten on the eve of WC. It's no lie that majority of our population are interested in basketball from one tournament to next tournament. It causes an insufficient situation to argue the choices that's been made. I've come up with a list of questions that could help us share what we're thinking.

-How do you rate our NT since Bogdan Tanjevic took charge? Have we progressed? if we have, in which ways? Do you think that keeping him until 2010 is the right decision? What would you do if you were the head of federation?

-The Okur issue... Given the style of Tanjevic, how well will he fit in? Is it better to write him off the list of 2010? Do you think that he's reluctant to play for NT? if yes, Can hosting a WC add him desire?

-How about former internationals? Is there a chance for Kaya Peker, Serkan Erdogan, Ermal Kuqo in 2010? given the recent replacement issue of PF position while Kerem Gonlum was absent, did you wish Mirsad Turkcan were on the court? Do you want to see him play for NT?

-We have seen how fragile our team is. How can we get over it? What do you expect from our team in 2010? or What kind of team that you want to see? How should we play both offense and defense, and how do you think we're going to play?

-finally can you list your 12 men squad?


Let's discuss!

Turkey had a great beginning at the start of Eurobasket 2009 but then seemed to run out of steam towards the end with too much burden given on the shoulders of Ilyasova & Turkoglu. So some vets back on the team should be the order of the day. But not too many, for me some of the players you mentioned like Peker & Gonlum are subpar. Luckily, Turkey might of found a new star center in Asik. He needs to devlope a bit more strength to have NBA potential but his ability is in the right track. Too have a realistic chance of winning the WC, it really has to put it's very 12 best players forward

this put be my pick,

FWDS; Turkulu, Ilyasova, Okur, Turkan, Savas

CENTER; Asik, Solak

GUARDS; Arslan, Atzur, Goler, Kutley

basicly a good mix of defence and ofence

[Victorious]

I've always thought that the main problem for Turkey were the guards. Arslan and Tunceri had a good tournament, but you can't expect too mutch from them when Turkey will face other medal candidates in the WC. Moreover, one could say that the guards may have overperformed a bit in this Eurobasket. Perhaps, because many great guards from other teams were missing (Holden, Papaloukas, Diamantidis, Calderon, Saras, Rako, Becirovic etc.), or because Turkey started well and gainded a lot of confidence. Nonetheless, Turkey does have a guard problem and I don't think the likes of Atsur or Arslan can solve it on the short term.

The day that Pana, CSKA, Oly, Real, Barca are after Turkey's guards like there's no tommorow, you know that Turkey has the potential to medal in every tournament.

Just look at the Non-USA teams that won a medals in some of the last major tournaments:

Argentina: Ginobili, Sanchez, Prigioni, Delfino
Spain: Calderon, Navarro, Rubio, Jimenez, Cabezas
Greece: Papaloukas, Spanoulis, Diamantidis, Zisis
Lithuania: Saras, Kaukenas, Macijauskas
Serbia: Bodiroga, Stojakovic, Jaric, Gurovic

The problem is not the absence of the 34 year old Turkcan, or Okur. The problem is the guards.

IMO, If Turkey will win a medal in 2010. It will be because of the home advantage. Other than that, you shouldn't expect too much from your NT.

[TB-Fan]

I think that Arslan and Tunceri are good enough to fight with the best. They are not among the best PG's in Europe but they have the experience and class to step up any time and to organize a big team. Don't forget that Tunceri was the PG of Real Madrid whan they won the ACB title and the Uleb Cup. Additionaly last year he was the main reason that Efes won the title after 2 years. Tunceri dominated Solomon in any minute of the serie. And also in NT since Tunceri is back since last summer, the team is playing much better.

Looking at the SG there is a big lack of a shooter. Güler and Onan are very good in defense but they are no scorers. They can hit the three pointers but they are no weapons in the offense who you can trust in. Serkan Erdogan is the only scorer we have right now. When he was playing for Tau he was one of the best SG's in Europe. He is 32 now. I think with a good preparation for the WC he can give a good performance. 32 is a good age for a basketball player.

I think Tunceri and Arslan are ok, we need a player like Erdogan who can hit the threes and step up in critical moments. Hedo can not do that.

My squad would be:

PG: Tunceri,Arslan,Atsür

SG: Erdogan, Onan (Güler)

SF: Hedo, Akyol

PF: Ilyasova, Peker (Gönlüm)

C: Asik, Okur, Savas


Starting 5: Tunceri, Erdogan, Hedo, Ilyasova, Okur


I think that this squad can beat any team except the US team. Thats my opinion.

[BARLAS]

My squad would be:

PG: Tunceri,Arslan,Atsür

SG: Erdogan, Onan (Güler)

SF: Hedo, Akyol

PF: Ilyasova, Peker (Gönlüm)

C: Asik, Okur, Savas


Starting 5: Tunceri, Erdogan, Hedo, Ilyasova, Okur


I think that this squad can beat any team except the US team. Thats my opinion.


That will be a great starting 5 really,also Ömer Aşık-Kaya Peker-Ömer Onan can join any time to this team and in my opinion we have that great 8 players and if we get full effiecent especially from this 8 players why not we don't reach a final,at least a semi final at our home.

I hope this time we will join a tournament with our best players(as the names you wrote) without any personal problems and also without coach's personal problems!
and in this year if we can add some alternative young players to squad from Turkish leauge it will be better too,anyway I hope 1-2 or players I'm waiting(but of course not like Barış Hersek! or as a player Bekir Yarangüme!)

[purple]

I've always thought that the main problem for Turkey were the guards. Arslan and Tunceri had a good tournament, but you can't expect too mutch from them when Turkey will face other medal candidates in the WC. Moreover, one could say that the guards may have overperformed a bit in this Eurobasket. Perhaps, because many great guards from other teams were missing (Holden, Papaloukas, Diamantidis, Calderon, Saras, Rako, Becirovic etc.), or because Turkey started well and gainded a lot of confidence. Nonetheless, Turkey does have a guard problem and I don't think the likes of Atsur or Arslan can solve it on the short term.

The problem is not the absence of the 34 year old Turkcan, or Okur. The problem is the guards.

IMO, If Turkey will win a medal in 2010. It will be because of the home advantage. .

I don't agree with you about guards. I think Tunceri has showed his abilities in Poland and proved that he is ready for 2010. As i said before Atsur is a great player who has a NCA career. He came to Poland after a long-term injury. Arslan is also good but he can be much better in 2010. My point is these players are not average at all..
Once upon a time we had the best guards , we played a final but still couldn't be champion.
what we really need is a player who can knock-out in the last crucial moments especially when the score ties. I hope Gonlum returns to the team, he has this kind of abilities. Also I'm very positive about Okur and Turkoglu's possible performence in 2010. also i still don't understand why Tanyevic didn't take Erdogan into the team..Serkan Erdogan must be even in the first 5 in my opinion..
Do not underestimate Turkcan even he is 34 now. we have won many games thanks to his determination and passion. and i don't mind if he comes back to the team.
of course playing with so many spectators will be a great advantage, but many times i witnessed that too much pressure coming from the spectators can easily be a disadvantage. afterall if you are not a team how far you can go even with amazing spectators?


Other than that, you shouldn't expect too much from your NT

This is too subjective and prejudiced comment i rather prefer not to see..

[rikhardur]

Okur – No Rift With Tanjevic

Mehmet Okur didn't play for Turkey at the EuroBasket in Poland but he plans to be involved next summer when his country hosts the FIBA World Championship.

The Utah Jazz big man says there was no fall out between himself and Turkey coach Bogdan Tanjevic and he is committed to playing for the national team on home soil.

"I wasn't able to play at the end of the season because I got hurt," he said to Basketball World News.

"I wasn't able to go out there and help my team. I had to take some time off and I missed Poland, but I'm looking forward to playing for Turkey in 2010.

"I have no problem with anyone. I just couldn't play because I was hurt."

Without Okur, Turkey had arguably the best start of the EuroBasket in winning their opening five games.

After falling in their last Qualifying Round Group F clash to Slovenia at the buzzer, though, they suffered an overtime defeat to Greece in the Quarter-Finals.

Bogdan Tanjevic's team then lost Classification Round games to France and Russia.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_tEULrju5G9YrKw0V8Y3Va2.articleMode_on.contain er_frontpage.html

:rolleyes:

[kyosphere]

I think we definitely have a problem at guards. Tunceri is not a top notch PG and Arslan is not reliable. I'm not even counting Atsur. Sinan Guler and Omer Onan, can hardly be considered as weapons in the offense. In EC2009, It was like having a cancer in your chest to watch Turkish NT on offense when it mattered. Give Hedo to ball, pray that he won't make incoherent choices and expect Ilyasova to take you all the way. I will be happy if we neutralize a scorer PG or SG. I hope that Tanjevic doesn't expect Cenk Akyol to have a good season and find the rhytym until the WC in order to solve this problem.

[Levenspiel]

We will see lots of options and non-options during the season I believe.

Mehmet Okur's comments above are interesting, because they contradict with what he said prior to EC09. I think we are better off without him, especially with the emergence of Omer Asik and other potential candidates for the spot (even Enes Kanter).

Mirsad is not gonna be there for sure. Serkan Erdogan is still a good option. If he can contribute as Ibo Kutluay did at WBC2006, that would be terrific.

Here are my locks for 2010:

Omer Asik
Oguz Savas
Sinan Guler
Ersan Ilyasova

[TB-Fan]

I think with Tunceri as PG Okur will play much better. you can not count on Asik as C in critical moments.

[rikhardur]

Especially for Michelle ;)



TUR – Atsür looks forward to home support next year

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Turkey were one of the best teams at the EuroBasket in Poland in September through the group stages, losing just once.

Imagine how good they’re going to be in front of partisan crowds next year when they host the FIBA World Championship.

“We will be much more successful with our fans in our home,” said point guard Engin Atsür to Sky Türk TV.

Atsür knows what it’s like to play at a FIBA World Championship as he was a part of the team that made a surprising run to the Quarter-Finals three years ago in Japan.

“The 2010 FIBA World Championship is making basketball much more popular in Turkey,” said Atsür.

“Now in Turkey, people are talking about basketball, watching the games. Basketball now stands at the forefront in Turkey. These things are all good for Turkish Basketball.”

Turkey has had experience hosting big tournaments before.

In 2001, the EuroBasket was staged in the country and the Turkish team reached the final before falling to the former Yugoslavia.

Sixteen teams played at that event while next year, there will be 24 national sides taking part.

“The 2010 FIBA World Championship is a very big competition,” said Atsür.

“We will host the championship and it is a great success for Turkey. Getting to host such a big tournament is also a big success for our country.

“Next year, we will have our fans behind us. Turkish players are always emotional.

“Because of this of our fans, I believe we will play much better. All the guys in the team are aiming for the same thing. We want to finish the championship in a good position.”
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/37466/arti.html

[utar1234]

Erden maybe a good backup center for Asik,why not take him?

[mktackabery]

Especially for Michelle ;)
I never said thank you, rik. Thanks a lot. Big kisses. :)

[rikhardur]

TUR – Concerns for Turkey over hurting Hedo

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Bogdan Tanjevic has plenty to keep his mind occupied as the coach of Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul.

As the national team boss of Turkey, however, he also has to keep tabs on all of his players that will go into battle later this year at the FIBA World Championship and he’s now got something to worry about after Sunday’s NBA action with Hedo Turkoglu having suffered a fractured orbital bone, beneath his right eye.

Turkoglu caught an elbow by Indiana’s Mike Dunleavy at the beginning of the contest and played no further part in the game.

He will have the injury examined by doctors on Monday.

Turkoglu may have to wear a protective facemask when he returns to action.

The timing of the injury wasn’t good for Turkoglu or the Raptors as their big summer signing from Orlando had started to play well.

On Thursday, he had a season-high 26 points and 11 rebounds in a win at the New York Knicks.

The Raptors, without their Turkey national team star, won for the fifth consecutive game on Sunday over Indiana, 117-102.

Turkey will play their Preliminary Round games in Ankara at the FIBA World Championship.

They will take on Greece, China, Russia, Puerto Rico and Ivory Coast in Group C.
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/38298/arti.html

[gomatlog]

My 12

PG: Tunceri, Arslan, Balbay
SG: Atsur, E.Buker (Guler)
SF: Turkoglu, Akyol
PF: Ilyasova, Peker, Gonlum
C : Kanter, Asik

[rikhardur]

TUR – In-form Ilyasova has excited about hosting FIBA World Championship

MILWAUKEE (2010 FIBA World Championship) - There aren't many NBA teams that have been as good as the Milwaukee Bucks since January 27.

To put it bluntly, Ersan Ilyasova and Co have been on a tear, winning 15 of their 19 games in that time.

The 22-year-old power forward has been coming off the bench and playing around 23 minutes per game for Milwaukee, averaging 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds per contest.

The NBA games are coming fast and furious, but there’s something else on Ilyasova’s mind.

He's got one eye on Ankara, which is where he and Turkey will face Greece, Russia, China, Puerto Rico and the Ivory Coast in Preliminary Round play at the FIBA World Championship.

Ilyasova knows it will be a pivotal time for basketball in Turkey.

National team success will win new fans to the sport and reward those supporters who have stuck by the players through thick and thin.

It is also a great opportunity to remind everyone of what a wonderful country Turkey is.

"I am sure that the championship that we will play in our home will be very exciting," Ilyasova said.

"I want to win a medal in my own country with our fans.

“Organizing this is very important for Turkish basketball."

Turkey have plenty of cause for optimism because in their first five games at last year's EuroBasket in Poland, they were the best team in the competition.

Included in that tournament-opening run were victories over Spain and Serbia, the eventual EuroBasket finalists.

After falling for the first time in a 69-67 defeat to Slovenia – another side to reach the Semi-Finals, Turkey suffered Quarter-Final heartbreak with a 76-74 loss to bitter rivals Greece.

They ended up losing to France and Russia in the Classification Round to come in eighth.

"We think we played well at the last European Championship in Poland," said Ilyasova, who was arguably the team's best player.

He averaged 16.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

"We could have won a medal but we were very unlucky,” he said.

"We want to atone for this at the FIBA World Championship."
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/38823/arti.html

[Levenspiel]

Mehmet Okur is also playing terrific lately and in case he's invited to the team we will have our serious doubts about his performance, but there's one guy we will never have the slightest doubt... Ersan.

I believe we, as Turkish fans, are in a kind of dilemma as to the selection of NT: heart or talent. Unfortunately the number players who have both are limited and we need to complete the team one of the either way.

[rikhardur]

Asik On The Rise For Turkey

If there was a revelation in Turkey's national team at last summer's EuroBasket in Poland, it had to be Ömer Asik.

A 2.14m center, the 23-year-old Asik not only started in his first Final Round with his national team but also averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 boards per contest - second only to Ersan Ilyasova.

And he was a man for the big occasion, too.

Going up against Poland's Marcin Gortat in the Preliminary Round, Asik poured in 22 points, brought down eight rebounds and swatted a shot.

Despite Spain's Gasol brothers, Pau and Marc, being fully aware of the problems he would pose in the very next game in the Quarter-Final Qualifying Round, Asik was virtually unstoppable early on and finished with 13 points and four rebounds as Turkey followed up the win over the Poles by upsetting the world champions.

No one was more impressed than his captain, Hedo Turkoglu.

"It was really great," Turkoglu said to FIBA Europe.

"He wanted to take the challenge against good players like Pau Gasol, who's been in the NBA for many years, and Marc Gasol, who's been in the NBA.

"I think it was a chance for him to play against good players to see how well he can do against those guys.

"I was happy for him."

Asik isn't the only promising big man in the Turkey national team set-up.

An equally slender Semih Erden, who stands 2.11m in height, and Ogus Savaz, who is a more beefy 2.08m, also log big minutes for Turkey.

But Asik, the 36th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by Portland who possesses a wingspan of 2.24m, may be the one with the most potential.

Turkoglu, who played in the NBA Finals last year with Orlando and now competes for Toronto, believes that one day Asik will join him in the NBA.

"Asik is so athletic strong," Turkoglu said.

"He's still young as a basketball player. He started a little late playing basketball. I think he started when he was like 15 or 16. But he's a hard worker and tries to get better every time.

"He just listens, and watches DVDs, (game) films.

"He's the kind of guy that looks like he's hungry."

The Chicago Bulls now own Asik's draft rights, but Fenerbahce Ulker will not be in a rush to see him leave anytime soon.

His play does indicate, though, that one day, he'll cross the Atlantic.

"What I like about him is that he's setting the goals for himself," Turkoglu said.

"He wants to play in the NBA himself. He's close to reaching his goal. Hopefully he'll come there and will become one of us, too."

Bogdan Tanjevic is Asik's coach both with Turkey and Fenerbahce and he marvels at Asik's ability and determination.

"Asik is somebody that is the biggest improvement in Turkish basketball in probably the last 20 years," Tanjevic said.

"He learns so quick and shows a great mentality and toughness. He's probably the toughest player in the team."

Asik will, no doubt, be a key player this summer for Tanjevic when he leads Turkey at the FIBA World Championship.
http://www.fibaeurope.com/coid_Kt2kLxBgGKMcjVVkACAIa2.articleMode_on.contain er_frontpage.html

[albiongate]

The best way to play defense on Asik is to use a well known strategy know in USA as "hack a Shaq". Omer is probably one of the worst free-throw shooter I have ever seen.

[Wu-Tang]

Memo Okur set to play for Turkey at WC this year; source (http://www.b92.net/sport/kosarka/vesti.php?yyyy=2010&mm=03&dd=25&nav_id=420287)

[ip84]

Memo Okur set to play for Turkey at WC this year; source (http://www.b92.net/sport/kosarka/vesti.php?yyyy=2010&mm=03&dd=25&nav_id=420287)
Probably already not.

http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/66049/20100418/okur_out_three_to_six_months/

[rikhardur]

TUR – Tunçeri likes Turkey’s chances

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Turkey guard Kerem Tunçeri believes the host nation of this summer’s FIBA World Championship stands a great chance of going deep into the tournament thanks to a favourable draw and playing in front of partisan crowds.

“We can say that we are lucky if we compare our group with the others,” said the Efes Pilsen playmaker who has helped reigning Beko Basketball League champions Efes Pilsen to a 27-3 record this season that guarantees them home court advantage throughout the playoffs, which start on Thursday.

Turkey will face China, Greece, the Ivory Coast, Puerto Rico and Russia in Ankara’s Group C.

Tunçeri pointed out that the team will have specific targets in mind heading into the tournament.

“Our first goal is to be in the final round. If we succeed in getting there, we will not face the USA in the next round and we might avoid Spain. We aim to go all the way to the top. But it is important to consider each game separately,” he warned.

And the 31-year-old is counting on the home court advantage to play a vital part in the team’s success. After all, they did claim a silver medal as hosts of FIBA’s 2001 European Championship.

“The atmosphere at the 2001 European Championship in Ankara was amazing,” he recalled. “We won some very tough games. We would like to use the advantage of playing at home and achieve great success in this championship as well.

“Our success will be very important for Turkish basketball.”

The Turks have had mixed results in recent international competitions and Tunçeri has received more than his fair share of blame for the inconsistency. However, he has not allowed that to affect him or his play.

“When things go wrong on the court, either the coaches or the point guards are going to get criticized,” he explained. “Constantly being criticised can decrease your motivation but I am used to all the negative comments. You do the best that you can on the court.”

Turkoglu not used to new team
Tunçeri also shared his thoughts on the play of his fellow countrymen who wave the Turkish flag in the NBA.

“Ersan (Ilyasova) has really made us proud with the way he has played in the last two to three years,” he said. “There is no need to talk about Hidayet (Hedo Turkoglu) and Memo (Mehmet Okur).

“Mehmet is one of the best players in the NBA at his position. I hope he will get well soon and can play in the World Championship. Hidayet could not get into his new team (Toronto Raptors). All are really good players and I think they will be in the place that they aimed to be.”
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/39699/arti.html

[rikhardur]

TUR - Türkoglu aims to make Turkish nation proud

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Turkish national team star Hidayet Türkoglu arrived with his family in Istanbul on Friday and looked ahead to a very important summer for an entire country.

The Toronto Raptors forward, coming off a long and grueling NBA season, was welcomed at Atatürk Airport by Turkey national team manager Barbaros Akkas.

Türkoglu looks forward to spending some quality time with his loved ones but is ready to get to work ahead of the FIBA World Championship.

"I'm always happy to come back home," he said. "With the season having come to an end, getting to spend some time with my family and friends will probably make me feel better.

"I did not have enough time to be with my family in the past year so now I will enjoy this period.

The 31-year-old will also set about getting ready for the biggest tournament to be hosted in his country.

"I plan on training to be in good shape. I believe that this summer will be really important for the team and, of course, for the country. As the team's captain, I know my responsibilities but I don't have any concerns about it," he added.

"From now on, I'll try to have a good vacation and make myself feel confident about the training camp and the championship."

Looking back on the NBA season, Türkoglu made no secret about the fact that the Raptors did not perform up to the level expected of them as they failed to qualify for the playoffs.

"As a team we did not perform at the level we wanted to and everyone knows it, no doubt about it. It's obvious," he said. "Personally, I feel the disappointment of this past season, especially after a huge season (2008-2009) when I reached to NBA Finals.

Turning his attention back to the FIBA World Championship, the star forward said it will be a case of meeting the nation's expectations.

"The expectations for the World Championship will always be high. Our performance, as a team, in Poland gives us hope for this summer," he explained. "Hopefully, with better finishing we will satisfy our nation's expectations in 2010.

And he expressed his sadness at the fact that Mehmet Okur will not be part of the team as he recovers from a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered last month.

"We are so sad for Mehmet. He and I are long-time friends and we've played against each other so many times in the NBA over the years," Türkoglu recalled.

"He is unlucky. An injury is the worst thing that can happen to a basketball player. I wish him the best and hope he will recover quickly and come back to the court in the best shape of his life."
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/40042/arti.html

[rikhardur]

Tanjević is to return to the national team on 1st August.

[rikhardur]

TUR - National team selection is biggest honour for Atsür

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship for Men) - Turkey national team guard Engin Atsür has said that playing for Turkey in front of the home fans at this summer's FIBA World Championship will be the proudest moment of his career.

"Playing for the national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championship is a huge honour for me," said the 26-year-old guard. "There can't be any other source of pride better than being selected to the national team, and representing 70 million people on the court.

"Like the 2001 EuroBasket, our fans will create a great atmosphere for us and we want to use it for our advantage."

Nine years ago, Atsür supported the national team from the stands when Turkey hosted the European Championship, an experience he remembers fondly.

"I was 17 when we were playing in 2001. We had so many hard games. We won two or three games thanks to the amazing enthusiasm of the fans and we finished the tournament in second place," he recalled.

Flash forward to 2010 and, as Atsür readies himself for the World Championship, he has one precise ultimate goal in mind for the national team.

"We are assertive for World Championship and we want to play in final," he stated.

However, the Besiktas Cola Turka playmaker explained that this lofty goal would only be achieved by going step by step. He pointed out that qualifying from the group stages is the first hurdle and made no secret of the fact that it will be a tough journey, despite the Turks' clear home court advantage.

"We have the home court advantage but it will be tough. Of course our fans will support us, but the world's biggest teams and players will compete in here," Atsür warned.

"We want to qualify from the group with an advantageous result. We will approach the tournament step by step. We certainly want to play in the final and win a medal. However, at the moment, setting these goals is not very realistic."

And the former North Carolina State product points to the consistency in the national team's squad as a vital ingredient to Turkey's success and ability to play well as a group.

"We have played in tournaments with a certain squad for a few years now. Players have known each other for a long time. The important thing is to be a team," he said.

Atsür also talked about the absences of Mehmet Okur, Omer Asik and Kerem Gonlum.

"We would like to have Omer Asik and Kerem Gonlum in top shape, but these things happen," he offered. "When we look at other countries, Tony Parker (France) and LeBron James (USA) stated that they will be absent from their national teams too.

"We have a great team. We have the ability to compensate the absence of anyone in this team. So, I don't think that it will be a very big deal."

Atsür who helped Besiktas Cola Turka reach the semi-final stages of the Beko Basketbol Ligi, described his situation for next season as "uncertain".

He has an offer from Medical Park Trabzonspor, one of the league's newest team, and one possibly from Fenerbahce Ulker. However, he did not give any indication as to what he was thinking.

"At the moment, I'm just waiting. There are several offers from Europe too. Anything can happen. It depends on the nature of the role that I will play in the team and the offer. I will give my decision according to these criteria," he explained.

Asked if playing for a team competing in the Euroleague was a factor in his decision, Atsür replied: "Since the Euroleague is the highest level of European Basketball, it would be great."
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/40220/arti.html

[daniab]

Hello!
Lebanon National Team is coming to Turkey this summer to play some friendly games during Effes Pilsen Cup!
Can you please tell us what teams r going to participate? is it Canada-Argentina and Lebanon besides Turkey for sure?

[kyosphere]

The Squad:

Oğuz Savaş (Fenerbahçe Ülker)
Semih Erden (Fenerbahçe Ülker)
Ömer Onan (Fenerbahçe Ülker)
Ömer Aşık (Fenerbahçe Ülker)
Ender Aslan (Efes Pilsen)
Kerem Gönlüm (Efes Pilsen)
Kerem Tunçeri (Efes Pilsen)
Sinan Güler (Efes Pilsen)
Engin Atsür (Beşiktaş Cola Turka)
Cevher Özer (Beşiktaş Cola Turka)
Cenk Akyol (Air Avellino)
Fatih Solak (Galatasaray Cafe Crown)
Evren Büker (Medical Park Trabzonspor)
Hidayet Türkoğlu (Toronto Raptors)
Ersan İlyasova (Milwaukee Bucks)

[kyosphere]

Emir Preldzic is about to be neutralized and gonna be selected for Turkish NT. I don't know if we need a neutralized player, even if we do, not sure it is supposed to be him.

It's clear that Turkish Nt is lacking a scorer back court player but Emir is a small forward and we have Hedo, Akyol for that position.

Moreover, He played for Slovenia U20. One year ago, he applied to FIBA in order to play his home country Bosnia, but he was rejected. Considering these conditions, how can our federation neutralize him? In turkish forums, I've read that we will give money to Slovenian fedaration to approve this, but I really don't know if this can be done..

If we have him in NT anyway, it will benefit Fenerbahçe more than the NT because that means Fener will have one more spot for another foreign player.

[elaj]

The scandalous case of Emir Preldzic - TalkBasket.net (http://www.talkbasket.net/news/the-scandalous-case-of-emir-preldzic-3104.html)

[Levenspiel]

My simple logic says if one guy wants to play for his for native country, nobody should have the right to prevent it. Neither FIBA nor Slovenian Federation. Preldzic is a good player and he should help the Bosnian NT.

I personally don't like my country's efforts to naturalize players. An NT represents the nation's basketball, and it should do so with its strong and weak points. It's kind of cheating if you patch all the holes with a foreign substance.

As for the recent news, this will only benefit Fenerbahce-Ulker. Turkish NT doesn't need him, and I hope it will not come true.

[wardjdim]

If this is the official selection of the NT, I am ashamed for Tanjevic

In 1986, Yugoslavia had Vlade Divac, in 1987, started having Toni Kukoc, Sasha Djordevic, Dino Radja, in 1989-91 they dominated every competition. In 2004, USA had Lebron James. In 2008, Ricky Rubio was starting at PG, instead of the injured Calderon and one summer later, he was the full-time Spanish NT starter

These are only examples of top-level National Teams trusting their most talented teenagers. All the mentioned players were seeing playing time. And your coach is not calling the most talented Turkish player and most talented European teenager, along with Rubio? And he is calling back Gonlum? You call that a coach?

With all respects to him and his great job last summer, especially with a tournament at home and with a chance to build a new star, Tanjevic is not in position to realize where his position stands..

[TB-Fan]

If Preldzic joins the team, I think that Atsür or Akyol will leave the team. because Güler and Onan are very important for our back court defense. Akyol and Atsür are both good shooters. Preldzic can play as a PG and of course as SF to help Hedo. I think Akyol has to stay out for this tournament.

PG: Tunceri/Arslan/Atsür
PG: Onan/Güler
SF:Hedo/Emir
PF: Ersan/Gönlüm
C: Asik/Savas/Erden

[Levenspiel]

If this is the official selection of the NT, I am ashamed for Tanjevic
I'm hoping this is not the final selection, and there will be additions. At least that's what I've heard.

[Picek]

If this is the official selection of the NT, I am ashamed for Tanjevic

In 1986, Yugoslavia had Vlade Divac, in 1987, started having Toni Kukoc, Sasha Djordevic, Dino Radja, in 1989-91 they dominated every competition. In 2004, USA had Lebron James. In 2008, Ricky Rubio was starting at PG, instead of the injured Calderon and one summer later, he was the full-time Spanish NT starter

These are only examples of top-level National Teams trusting their most talented teenagers. All the mentioned players were seeing playing time. And your coach is not calling the most talented Turkish player and most talented European teenager, along with Rubio? And he is calling back Gonlum? You call that a coach?

With all respects to him and his great job last summer, especially with a tournament at home and with a chance to build a new star, Tanjevic is not in position to realize where his position stands..the only difference is that Divac, Kukoč, Rađa and co played some serious senior level basketball when they were included to the team..
meanwhile Kanter hasn't played any..
as much as I dislike Tanjević this was a normal decision..

[elaj]

Emir Preldzic denied the possibility of playing for Turkish National Team. He confirmed that he will get the Turkish passport but only because his Fenerbahce Ulker will be able to sign another foreigner. He said that he probably will not play for any national team in the future. (text is in Bosnian) (http://www.dnevniavaz.ba/sport/kosarka/6245-emir_preldzic_kosarka_reprezentacija.html)

[rikhardur]

Not playing for any national team... Now that's... a move for a bright future.

[TB-Fan]

Emir can not get the turkish passport without playing for NT. the federation wouldn't allow a player to get teh passport after 3 years. that would be unfair.

edit: turkish media writes that emir wants to join turkish nt

http://www.basketdergisi.com/preldzic-de-cok-istiyor-gokhan-german.html

[Levenspiel]

Emir can not get the turkish passport without playing for NT. the federation wouldn't allow a player to get teh passport after 3 years. that would be unfair.

edit: turkish media writes that emir wants to join turkish nt

http://www.basketdergisi.com/preldzic-de-cok-istiyor-gokhan-german.html
I think he can get the passport, and I don't see it as a big problem if the guy wants to be a good citizen. Many others did it, Erwin Dudley, Damir Mrsic, etc and it wasn't about playing for Turkish NT.

[elaj]

Emir Preldžić (Emiru Preldiloglou? :D) got Turkish citizenship. (http://www.beobasket.net/page/news/en.html?view=story&id=21849&sectionId=10)

[kyosphere]

Emir Preldžić (Emiru Preldiloglou? :D) got Turkish citizenship. (http://www.beobasket.net/page/news/en.html?view=story&id=21849&sectionId=10)

lol Emir is a turkish name as well so it will stay this way, but I can't predict what they will rename his surname...MarkoMilic on this forum presumed it "Pirelioglu" at a turkish blog. I just hope they won't choose the suffix "-oglu" for any name:)

[surfer]

It is said that Slovenian basketball federation demands 10M Euros :eek:to let Preldzic play in Turkish NT (http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/basketbol/15244591.asp?gid=373)

[surfer]

It is said that Slovenian basketball federation demands 10M Euros :eek:to let Preldzic play in Turkish NT (http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/spor/basketbol/15244591.asp?gid=373)

Turkish basketball federation denied the news today

[CKR13]

Former NBA All-Star Rolando Blackman is an assistant coach on offense.

Last time I heard that Blackman was an assistant coach for the German NT in 2002.

[dixon]

Emir Preldzic won't play for Turkey certainly!

[TB-Fan]

Atsür out for WC and 4 months.

[BellsOfFreedom]

Why Ersan Ilyasova did not play in the last 2 friendly matches?

[Levenspiel]

Why Ersan Ilyasova did not play in the last 2 friendly matches?
Due to an injury on his nose. Will play with a mask during the WBC.

[LaNaranjaBasket]

Is the official roster known yet?