By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
Furkan Korkmaz was in the best five of yet another tournament, he “hurt” Greece in the third place playoff game with 28 points and he completed the World Cup with 13.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists on average. He shot 51.1% in two-point field goals and 45.2% in three-point field goals.
Eurohoops spoke with him about the Turkish “golden generation” that brings back another medal for the country for the 4th consecutive summer (three gold, one silver) and about whether this group of players can take the world by storm as they grow up.
“It’s true that this generation of players has a lot of talent in all positions and we’ve brought many successes to our country these past few years. The level of the men’s team is different and as we grow up we will be called upon to prove that we are capable of keeping Turkey at the top. It takes a lot of work and we need to keep working together in the summers,” says Korkmaz, who was born in July 1997 (2m.01) and who wants to establish himself at the top level early on.
“Efes have made some great moves and everything points to the fact that we will be even stronger next season, so that we can go as far as possible in the Euroleague and win the championship in Turkey, which has become extremely competitive. My experience last year will help me a great deal and on my part, I have to try every day and show that I’m improving on all levels. This is what coach Ivkovic wants to see in order to give opportunities. I will do everything so that next season he establishes me as a solid solution for my team.”
Furkan Korkmaz has an ethereal style of playing and a rich talent in offense where he can do almost everything. We asked him if he thinks his style brings to mind any other European player, to see if he agrees with our own estimation.
“My style resembles Rudy Fernandez’s, but of course I need a lot of work to reach his level sometime. Who did you have in mind?” Bingo Furkan!