ISTANBUL, Turkey – A modern generation of Turkish basketball talent was on full display this week as the Okul Sporları Basketbol Gençler Türkiye Birinciliği (Youth Basketball Turkey Championship) concluded with thrilling finals in Istanbul. İstanbul Özel Esenkent Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi and İstanbul Özel Beylikdüzü Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi emerged victorious, earning the right to represent Turkey at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World Schools Basketball Championship in Zlatibor, Serbia, this June.
The men’s final, played at the Başakşehir Spor Kompleksi on March 12, 2026, saw Esenkent Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi defeat Özel Şişli Bilim Doğa Anadolu Lisesi by a score of 82-72. The women’s final, held immediately following the men’s game at the same venue, resulted in a 69-58 victory for İstanbul Özel Beylikdüzü Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi over Ankara Özel Arı Anadolu Lisesi.
The tournament, organized by the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Directorate of School Sports, involved a total of 1034 school teams – 738 boys’ teams and 296 girls’ teams – throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. After navigating local, group, and semi-final stages, eight boys’ and eight girls’ teams advanced to the national finals held in Istanbul. The competition at the Küçükçekmece Ata Sports Center from March 8-11 determined the finalists.
The championship games drew a significant crowd, including prominent figures such as Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Istanbul Deputy Governor Ünal Kılıçarslan, Başakşehir District Governor Cemil Özgür Öneği, Başakşehir Mayor Yasin Kartoğlu, and numerous students. The presence of these officials underscored the importance placed on developing youth sports within Turkey.
Following the men’s final, Minister Bak addressed the players, coaches, and fans, praising the high level of competition and the promising future of Turkish basketball. “We watched an exciting final match that showed how far Turkish sports has come,” Bak said. “They are the future ‘12 Dev Adam’ (12 Giants – a nickname for the Turkish national basketball team). We witnessed the passion of the GSB School Sports Basketball Youth Finals in a magnificent atmosphere. I congratulate all our children. I thank their families, teachers, and schools who support them. This was truly a wonderful final match, with a magnificent hall, magnificent spectators, and magnificent players. Turkish sports is moving towards the top, and we saw that today in this hall.”
Bak also expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support of Turkish sports initiatives. The minister’s comments reflect a broader national commitment to investing in athletic development at the grassroots level.
The award ceremony saw Istanbul Vali Yardımcısı Ünal Kılıçarslan, Başakşehir Kaymakamı Cemil Özgür Öneği, and Istanbul İl Spor Müdürü Muhittin Özbay present medals to the second, third, and fourth-place teams. Minister Bak himself presented the championship trophy to the players of İstanbul Özel Esenkent Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi, marking a celebratory complete to the men’s competition.
The success of İstanbul Özel Beylikdüzü Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi in the girls’ final adds another layer of excitement to Turkey’s prospects at the upcoming ISF World Schools Basketball Championship. The tournament, scheduled to take place from June 13-22, 2026, in Zlatibor, Serbia, will provide a valuable opportunity for these young athletes to compete against the best school basketball players from around the globe.
This championship isn’t just about crowning winners; it’s about identifying and nurturing the next generation of Turkish basketball stars. The “12 Dev Adam” legacy is a powerful one in Turkey, and these young players are now poised to carry that torch forward on the international stage. For many, the ISF World Schools Basketball Championship will be their first taste of international competition, a crucial stepping stone in their athletic careers.
The road to the finals was competitive, with İstanbul Özel Şişli Bilim Doğa Anadolu Lisesi and İstanbul Özel Esenkent Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi emerging as the top teams in the boys’ bracket after the Küçükçekmece matches. In the girls’ competition, Ankara Özel Arı Anadolu Lisesi and İstanbul Özel Beylikdüzü Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi secured their places in the final.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to preparation for the World Championship in Serbia. The teams will undoubtedly intensify their training regimens, focusing on both individual skill development and team cohesion. The ISF tournament represents a significant opportunity for Turkish school basketball to gain international recognition and showcase the talent emerging from the country’s youth programs.
The Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, along with the Directorate of School Sports, will likely provide continued support to the teams as they prepare for this prestigious event. The success of these young athletes serves as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players across Turkey, demonstrating that dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game can lead to remarkable achievements.
The upcoming ISF World Schools Basketball Championship in Zlatibor, Serbia, promises to be a thrilling event, and Turkish fans will be eagerly following the progress of İstanbul Özel Esenkent Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi and İstanbul Özel Beylikdüzü Okyanus Anadolu Lisesi as they compete for glory on the international stage. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 13, 2026, and will conclude on June 22, 2026.
What are your thoughts on the rising talent in Turkish basketball? Share your predictions for the ISF World Schools Basketball Championship in the comments below!
