The A National Men’s Basketball Team defeated Lithuania 94–66 in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers Second Round Group J fixture hosted at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center, extending their winning streak to seven matches under head coach Ergin Ataman.
Ergin Ataman Assesses the Team’s Form and Standing
Following the victory in Istanbul, head coach Ergin Ataman addressed reporters alongside team captain Cedi Osman, Furkan Korkmaz, and Ömer Faruk Yurtseven. Ataman emphasized that the national squad is viewed by international governing bodies as a top-tier force in Europe, noting that the performance on the floor validated that status.
Despite missing several key pieces on the opposing side, Ataman stressed that the Lithuanian basketball tradition carries significant weight, pointing to veteran EuroLeague talents such as Donatas Motiejunas and Ąžuolas Tubelis. Ataman pointed out that Turkey maintained control from the opening tip and received contributions across the rotation.
“We won 7 out of 7, but this is not enough for us,” Ataman added, turning attention toward the upcoming fixture. “Now there is Iceland, as you know, we will go to Iceland tomorrow. A tough away match, Iceland is always a dangerous team on its home floor. Now our concentration will be completely directed there.”
Roster Continuity and Bench Contributions
Analyzing the lineup’s depth, Ataman noted that the structural skeleton mirrors the group that secured a silver medal at the European Championship. While absences like Alperen Şengün and Shane Larkin required tactical adjustments, replacements such as Yiğitcan Saybir and Flynn stepped in effectively.
Ataman also credited the second unit, specifically highlighting Erkan Yılmaz alongside starters Cedi Osman, Adem Bona, and Şehmus Hazer. In the frontcourt, Ömer Faruk Yurtseven asserted control in the paint, anchoring a defensive scheme that held the visitors to 66 points.
Player Perspectives: Osman, Korkmaz, and Yurtseven
Captain Cedi Osman, who surpassed the milestone of 200 official appearances for the national team during the international window, reflected on the physical challenge posed by Lithuania.
“We took a very important victory,” Osman said. “Even though the Lithuania team did not come with a full squad, in the end we played against Lithuania, a difficult opponent. I am proud of everyone. We performed very well from the very beginning.”
Reflecting on his milestone 200th cap, Osman expressed pride in continuing his tenure as captain and voiced ambitions to secure a major title with the program.
Furkan Korkmaz echoed those sentiments, noting the psychological difficulty of facing an opponent operating without their complete roster. “Today it was actually a very difficult match regardless of the score, because it is always harder to play against teams that are not in full squad, it is hard to maintain that concentration,” Korkmaz explained. “But today we showed our quality, we continue on our way with a victory.”
Pivot Ömer Faruk Yurtseven pointed to early execution as the catalyst for the comfortable margin. Establishing a double-digit lead in the opening quarter allowed the perimeter shooters greater freedom, according to the 28-year-old center.
Next Steps in the Qualifiers
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