By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Former Turkish national team member and Fenerbahce player Ilkan Karaman tragically passed away in a car accident at 34 years old, as reported by the Turkish outlet Basketfaul.
Apparently, he was hit by a drunk driver in Datça while standing on the sidewalks. Waiting for his friend to refuel, Ilkan Karaman was reportedly hit by a vehicle that lost control; it was then reported that he lost his life immediately on the scene.
Selected in the 2012 NBA Draft with the 57th pick by the Brooklyn Nets, he was then traded to Cleveland. However, he never managed to play in the NBA, but he represented Fenerbahce for two years from 2012 to 2014, also playing in the EuroLeague.
During his 15-year career, the Turkish international only had three experiences outside of his country, playing in France for Cholet and Antibes Sharks in 2019-20, and in Taiwan for the Formosa Dreamers in 2023.
He also wore the jerseys of other Turkish teams such as Pinar Karsiyaka and Besiktas, and his ultimate experience came in Çayırova Belediyesi.
We have learned with deep sorrow the passing of İlkan Karaman, one of our players who wore the uniform of our National Team.
As the Turkish Basketball Federation, we wish God’s mercy upon the deceased and offer our condolences to his precious family, loved ones and our basketball community. pic.twitter.com/lRnmYbNuap
— TBF (@TBF) September 8, 2024
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague