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Türkiye’s National Basketball Team head coach Ergin Ataman reacted strongly to FIBA, comparing the 2025 squad with the silver medal-winning teams of EuroBasket 2001 and the 2010 World Championship.
He dismissed the rankings as “complete nonsense,” emphasizing that the team is focused on winning medals and proving itself on the court rather than being judged by external lists.
Türkiye performed strongly in Group A, defeating Serbia, Latvia, Portugal, Estonia, and Czechia.
With a perfect 5-0 record, the team advanced as group leader to the round of 16. Türkiye then faced Sweden and secured an 85-79 victory, marking the team’s first quarterfinal appearance in the tournament since 2009.
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Türkiye stands out in multiple key statistics in EuroBasket 2025:
These numbers highlight Türkiye’s balance in offense and defense, combining scoring, distribution and shot-blocking effectiveness.
If Türkiye defeats Poland, the team will reach the semifinals for the first time in 24 years.
Türkiye previously won silver on home soil at EuroBasket 2001, losing 78-69 to Yugoslavia in the final. The team first participated in EuroBasket in 1949, finishing fourth.
Türkiye and Poland will meet for the ninth time in European Championship history. Out of eight prior encounters, Türkiye won two while Poland claimed six victories.
The most recent meetings were in 2009 and 2011, with Türkiye winning 87-69 in 2009 and narrowly losing 84-83 in 2011.
Poland finished second in Group D with three wins and two losses and advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 80-72 in the round of 16. Poland reached the semifinals in the 2022 European Championship.
Ataman stressed that his team is ready for Poland’s physical and aggressive style.
Türkiye’s strategy focuses on solid defense, fast breaks, and precise ball distribution.
Despite the elimination of favorites Serbia and France, Ataman emphasized that the remaining eight teams are all strong, and Türkiye’s goal remains a historic semifinal medal.
Ataman dismissed all external rankings and historical comparisons as irrelevant, underlining that winning on the court is the ultimate measure.
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