By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
In the 2019-20 season Karsiyaka decided that they preferred to play in the FIBA Europe Cup. And sometimes you have to take a step back just to gain momentum and jump forward.
Fast forward to March 2021 and Karsiyaka has a solid 20-5 record in the Turkish BSL, good enough for the second spot of the standings and also leads the three-way tie in the BCL playoffs Group I with a 2-1 record after beating Hapoel Holon on the road.
They are in total control of their destiny and the qualification to the BCL Final Eight is a totally attainable goal.
What more can they do?
Karsiyaka, which has won two Turkish League Championship titles, one of them under current coach Ufuk Sarica, who also won the Turkish Cup with the club, is aiming for a continental title. That was one of their biggest motivation for competing last year in the FIBA Europe Cup.
The club even lobbied for the competition to be concluded with a Final Four in Izmir back in September. That didn’t happen, last season’s FIBA Europe Cup didn’t have a proper conclusion, but you probably get the point.
The BCL Final Eight will be organized in the gym of one of the eight participants and Karsiyaka wanted to host a similar FIBA event a few months ago.
The team has a solid fan base, a city that will get behind the event, the thirst of making a splash in the European basketball, and above everything else, a solid unit that can deliver on the court.
With Raymar Morgan, the BCL January MVP, leading the charge, the Turkish club has the full package to make the 2020-21 BCL season a memorable one for them.
And after not being able to fight at home for the FIBA Europe Cup due to COVID, getting a second chance to win even bigger in the Basketball Champions League, can create a story that will define the legacy of Karsiyaka and also add a new, intriguing chapter in the BCL history.