Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer met with the Mersin Spor Kulübi (MSK) Men’s Basketball Team at an official breakfast program, addressing the squad’s preparations and goals ahead of the 2026-2027 Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Ligi campaign. The gathering brought together municipal leadership, club executives, technical staff, and players following the team’s strong 100-70 opening-match victory over Ankaragücü on the road.
Speaking to the team, Mayor Seçer emphasized the municipality’s ongoing commitment to the roster and highlighted the city’s deep identity as a basketball hub. “Mersin is known as a basketball city, and that was the primary reason we turned our focus to men’s basketball after taking office,” Seçer stated. He noted that MSK carries a singular responsibility in representing Mersin’s men’s professional basketball ambitions within the top tiers of competition.
The meeting served as an opportunity to review structural improvements, upcoming fixtures, and the critical importance of a sustainable youth academy. Seçer pointed out that the club benefits from strong community engagement and a passionate fan base that creates an electric home atmosphere, adding that a new sports facility will soon open its doors to provide enhanced training and health conditions for athletes.
“We stand by our team as Mersin Metropolitan Municipality,” Seçer said. “We care deeply about the youth infrastructure and the necessity of feeding the A-team from local talent. With proper facilities, discipline, and the backing of our fans, I wholeheartedly believe success will follow at the end of the season.”
Leadership Praise for New Team Chemistry
MSK President Mustafa Özünlü reflected on the hurdles the club faced during the previous campaign, praising the rapid turnaround achieved under a revamped front office and coaching staff. “I proudly say that with a new management, new structure, new coach, new general manager, and new players, we caught a very nice vibe in a very short time, both in preseason games and practices,” Özünlü noted, attributing the progress directly to the backing provided by Mayor Seçer.
Head Coach Burak Gören echoed those sentiments, expressing gratitude for the stability and clear vision offered by the municipal leadership after a turbulent prior season. “Staying within the fold of basketball and maintaining the vision to continue in sports after the difficulties of last year is very important,” Gören said. He stressed that the newly assembled roster possesses the character and athletic identity needed to properly represent Mersin on the court.
The official program concluded with mutual expressions of success for the ongoing league schedule, followed by a commemorative group photograph. MSK continues its training regimen under the municipal umbrella as it prepares for the next test on its calendar.
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