By Utkan Şahin / info@eurohoops.net
Balaban had an interesting take on how Fenerbahce manages to keep its players and lure them away from the NBA, and he shared his opinion with Eurohoops. Not only that but he also revealed that some players of the current team had offers from the NBA which they declined!
Eurohoops: In EuroLeague, teams have difficulty in keeping their players, but Fenerbahçe has been able to establish a wider squad than the season we passed, despite NBA’s entry in the market.
Ozan Balaban: We have a very good team. Maurizio, GM… But the job is not just being done in summer. We are preparing for the whole season. We’re looking. We have a very good scouting team. So we are watching the players during the season. Of course, Bogdanovic is our brother. We knew he was going to the NBA. Udoh, came from there. He spent two years here and then went back again. But we studied enough before letting them go and who we can bring to their place. Of course, some players prefer Fenerbahçe instead of going to NBA. Melli had an offer from there, Datome, Vesely also… So Fenerbahçe is one of the most valuable basketball brands in Europe today. Our team, our technical team, our management.
When asked about the new season, Balaban commented:
“New season make all teams better. We are in a season without any injuries, no accidents, no trouble. Of course we are excited. Last year we claimed that we will go to the Final Four again. Now our first target is Belgrade. We will look after that. Our goal is always to be in Final Four, and if possible, repeat the success. We have a very wide rotation this season.”
Eurohoops: Right now there is a “fight” between FIBA and EuroLeague, and it affects Fenerbahçe as a EuroLeague team. Is the attitude of Fenerbahçe about this subject now obvious or will it be coming days?
Balaban: “We will consult with our deputy chairman and our instructor. Next Friday there is the board meeting in Barcelona. We are not just a participant of EuroLeague. We are a partner of EuroLeague with 10 other clubs. When we look at what EuroLeague decides, we have to support it. However, as a Turkish citizen, our national team is our priority. We want to support our national team We stand with our Federation but as I said we are the partner of EuroLeague and we have to apply the decisions of it.”