By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following the loss to Spain and finishing Group A of the 2022 EuroBasket preliminary round at 3-2 Wednesday, Turkey senior national team selector Ergin Ataman revealed Shane Larkin will go to Istanbul for an MRI.
“Shane has a big problem on his hands. He will fly to Istanbul for an MRI. We have one of the best doctors in the world,” noted the Turkey head coach referring to a medical specialist connected to Anadolu Efes, “We will check his situation tomorrow and will see. Also psychologically, he is not ready.”
However, it has to be noted that at this point, Larkin is expected to join the team in Berlin.
Larkin and Ataman joining forces at the Istanbul giant in 2018 has produced improved campaigns in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, including the championships of the last two editions of Europe’s premier club continental competition. However, the Miami product struggled after a hot start in Tbilisi’s Group A, apparently due to the injury.
“Shane is a great player. He has shown it over the last four years,” added his head coach at both the international and club level during the postgame press conference, “In this situation, we hope it isn’t something serious. The team will fly to Berlin tomorrow and he will fly to Istanbul.”
Larkin, 29, has averaged 9.2 points, 7.0 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in the preliminary round of EuroBasket.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL