Ergin Ataman: Turkey Is a Basketball Country, Young Talents and Families Love the Game

The A Milli Erkek Basketbol Takımı enters the final stretch of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers holding the top spot in European basketball rankings, according to statements made by head coach Ergin Ataman. With a 4-0 record in the group stage, the national team prepares for upcoming away and home fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland, carrying momentum from past wins and a second-place finish at EuroBasket.

Speaking to reporters during training preparations, Ataman highlighted the squad’s readiness and addressed future talent integration, specifically mentioning Ömer Kutluay and Darius Karutasu as players under evaluation for upcoming August camp windows. The team gathered in Istanbul before shifting to a brief training camp in Antalya, which included a preparation match against Russia.

Standings Context and Upcoming Match Schedule

Turkey currently sits at the pinnacle of European basketball rankings, a standing bolstered by victories over Serbia and a showing at EuroBasket, according to Ataman’s press briefing. Despite already securing qualification from the initial group stage, the squad aims to close out the current window with two wins to carry six victories into the next round.

The immediate challenge brings an away fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a side Ataman described as a basketball school featuring experienced players and a newly added NBA talent. Although Turkey secured a win in the earlier fixture in Istanbul, the team approaches the away game with a victory mindset.

Following the trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team returns to Istanbul to host Switzerland on July 6 at the Sinan Erdem Dome. Ataman emphasized that finishing the group phase undefeated does not guarantee a direct ticket to the FIBA World Cup, as the subsequent phase in late August will introduce opponents from pools featuring Italy, Lithuania, and either Great Britain or Iceland.

Roster Commitment and Young Prospects Under Review

The national team’s preparations feature commitment from talent across the NBA, EuroLeague, and domestic leagues. Captain Cedi Osman stressed the importance of maintaining focus during the current window to safeguard the team’s standing for the second group phase.

“We have won four out of four so far and we want to close this window with two more wins to carry those victories into the next group,” Osman told reporters, noting the potential hazards of playing a Bosnia and Herzegovina side on their home floor.

Alperen Şengün echoed the captain’s sentiments, stating that the squad’s collective goal is to finish the group phase undefeated and carry momentum forward. Alongside the veteran core, attention has turned toward the talent pipeline. Ataman noted that while scheduling overlaps prevented inviting Ömer Kutluay and Darius Karutasu to the senior training camp due to commitments with the U17 National Team, the coaching staff intends to evaluate their progress for the August camp period.

“17 is certainly a very young age, but we truly have two very promising players in Ömer Kutluay and Darius Karutasu, and we will evaluate their situations,” Ataman stated, indicating that the team expects the U17 team to win a medal.

Next Confirmed Checkpoint

The national team continues its campaign on the road against Bosnia and Herzegovina before returning to Istanbul to face Switzerland at the Sinan Erdem Dome on July 6. Official updates, match results, and squad adjustments will be released as the team moves toward the second round of World Cup qualifiers in August.