By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Turkiye head coach Ergin Ataman praised his team’s performance and singled out captain Cedi Osman following the convincing win over Lithuania in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers.
Osman scored 22 points in just over 20 minutes as Turkiye won 94-66 and improved to 7-0 in Group J.
“We once again showed our strength and played excellent basketball,” Ataman said. “We started the game very well on both ends, found the right shots and scored inside through Omer Faruk, Adem and Cedi. Everyone who stepped onto the court made a strong contribution. We played like a great team.”
Ataman emphasized that Turkiye’s attention immediately turns to Monday’s road game against Iceland, describing it as another crucial step toward the World Cup.
“If we win that game, we will have secured our place at the World Cup by 99 percent,” he said. “That is why it is very important for us. As always, the players performing at the highest level will be on the court.”
The experienced coach explained that the current team has been developing for three years and retained the core of the squad that won the silver medal at EuroBasket 2025. He also highlighted the chemistry within the group despite the absences of Alperen Sengun and the injured Shane Larkin.
“We have big ambitions, but our players also have the necessary quality,” Ataman added. “When everyone puts their ego aside, we can produce basketball like we did today.”
Ataman reserved particular praise for Osman, who has taken on the role of national team captain.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Cedi. He is doing an excellent job as captain and gives everything to this team,” Ataman said. “In my opinion, Cedi is the best player in Europe at his position. When you put him in the right system, he shows that on the court. He performs himself, makes his teammates better and contributes greatly with his positive character.”
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