By Murat Kose/ info@eurohoops.net
The president of the Turkish Basketball Federation Harun Erdenay recently discussed the constant growth of his country’s basketball scene, the success of both Turkish clubs and national teams, plus his aspirations from the Eurobasket 2017.
“We hosted two international basketball tournaments and Turkey won medals in both of them. Our preparations for the Eurobasket 2017 continue and our main goal is to win a medal in this tournament too,” he said in an interview for Anadolu News Agency.
“In Eurobasket 2001, our team won silver medal while I was its captain. We also won silver medal in the 2010 World Championship while I served as team manager. We want to win another medal in EuroBasket 2017 which will be the third time we are hosting such tournament.”
Erdenay made a special mention to the accomplishments of Turkish clubs on a continental level during the previous season. “We had a very successful season last year. Galatasaray Odeabank won the Eurocup and Fenerbahce played in the Euroleague Final against CSKA Moscow. Other Turkish teams make it far in these competitions.”
He continued, saying that: “Turkish basketball lives its golden age on a club level. European media share this opinion as well. All the coaches and foreign players want to come Turkey and continue their basketball life here.”
“Our men’s national basketball team is still eighth in world rankings and our women’s national team moved up to the seventh the place. Turkish basketball still secures its place at the top,” concluded the TBF president.