ISTANBUL – Fenerbahçe Beko head coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius has leveled sharp criticism at the current youth basketball development system in Turkey, arguing for a fundamental shift in focus away from tactical complexity and towards individual player development. The Lithuanian coach, whose son Lukas also plays within the Fenerbahçe youth system, believes the emphasis on winning at younger ages is stifling talent and hindering long-term growth.
Jasikevičius, a decorated player and coach with multiple EuroLeague titles to his name, voiced his concerns in a recent interview with Socrates Dergisi, as reported by several Turkish media outlets. His critique centers on what he perceives as an overreliance on advanced tactics – such as zone defenses and complex schemes – at levels where players should be honing fundamental skills.
“I’m not a big fan of the Turkish youth systems,” Jasikevičius stated, according to translations of the interview. “I think they need to change. Seriously. We need to develop a lot.” He specifically pointed to the use of zone defenses, box-and-one schemes, and baseline traps – tactics rarely seen at the highest levels of European basketball – as evidence of a misprioritization of short-term gains over long-term player growth.
The core of Jasikevičius’s argument is that the formative years of a basketball player, up to around age 15 or 16, should be dedicated to individual skill development. This includes shooting, dribbling, passing, footwork, and athleticism. He believes that focusing on tactical concepts too early can detract from the joy of the game and hinder a player’s natural progression.
“First, you need to focus on developing the kids,” Jasikevičius explained. “First of all, you have to make sure the child is happy coming to practice, to the gym, to the game. But instead, they are bombarded with tactical information. They are loaded with two-hour practices, they are suffocated, and the child starts to lose the joy of the game. They lose the fun.”
He contrasted the Turkish system with his experiences in Spain, where he spent several years as a player and coach with FC Barcelona, and Lithuania, his home country. He noted a significant difference in approach, with a greater emphasis on individual skill work and allowing young players to express their creativity.
Jasikevičius also highlighted the physical nature of youth basketball in Turkey, noting that a lack of consistent foul calls can disadvantage smaller or less physically developed players. He fears this can discourage young athletes from continuing to pursue the sport.
“In my opinion, until the age of 15-16, everything should be about individual work and development,” he said. “It should be about developing the player’s skills – shooting, dribbling, passing, cutting, footwork, and sprinting. That’s what you should focus on.”
The Fenerbahçe coach isn’t simply offering criticism without seeking solutions. He has reportedly discussed these concerns with the Turkish Basketball Federation, advocating for a more holistic approach to youth development. He believes Turkey has the potential to produce a wealth of talented players, given the country’s large population and growing interest in basketball.
Jasikevičius drew a parallel to the Spanish system, where younger players often compete in under-22 leagues, providing them with opportunities to play against more experienced competition. He recalled his own upbringing in Lithuania, where he played against older players at a young age, a challenging experience that ultimately contributed to his development.
“We grew up in Lithuania, when we were 14-15 years old, we played in the city league with older guys; honestly, they beat us up a lot,” he said. “But that’s a later stage. As for kids, we need to focus much more on individual development than on winning.”
The comments from Jasikevičius, a highly respected figure in European basketball, are likely to spark a debate within Turkish basketball circles. His success as both a player and a coach – including a recent EuroLeague championship with Fenerbahçe in 2025, as reported by BallinEurope – lends significant weight to his observations. He and Nigel Hayes-Davis, the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four MVP, spoke to the press after the championship win, further cementing his position as a leading voice in the sport, as noted by Anadolu Agency.
Šarūnas Jasikevičius, born March 5, 1976, in Kaunas, Lithuania, has had a storied career, playing point guard for numerous prominent clubs including FC Barcelona, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Panathinaikos, as detailed in his Wikipedia profile. His current role with Fenerbahçe Beko underscores his continued influence on the European basketball landscape.
The challenge now for the Turkish Basketball Federation will be to assess Jasikevičius’s critique and determine whether changes to the youth development system are warranted. The goal, as Jasikevičius emphasizes, is to nurture a new generation of Turkish basketball players who are not only skilled and tactically aware but also passionate about the game.
Fenerbahçe Beko will continue their EuroLeague campaign, with their next match scheduled for [insert date and time of next Fenerbahçe game – *verification needed*]. Fans can follow updates and official announcements on the team’s website and social media channels.
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