Ismet Akpinar won't play for Germany after a row with federation / News - Basketnews.com

Fenerbahce guard Ismet Akpinar spoke in a German podcast about the differences with the German Basketball Federation (DBB) and announced that he will no longer play under coach Gordon Herbert for the time being.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Germany's national team guard Ismet Akpinar was a guest on the Magenta Sport podcast, announcing that he won't play under head coach Gordon Herbert for the time being.

2-pointers this season

58%21,7Points made:21,7Accuracy:58,4%Place in standings:2Record max:33Record min:15Most made 2FGs:Johnathan MotleyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Surprisingly, the Hamburg native was not called up for the EuroBasket 2022 and the previous qualification window before the European Championship.

"Actually, I don't want to say anything about it because I'm just incredibly proud of the guys!" Akpinar said after being asked what happened. "Everyone played such a great EuroBasket. Look at what nations the team beat."

Earlier, Herbert emphasized that he calls players who are 100% committed to the German national team. Thus, it was suspected that Akpinar did not feel obligated to give his all to Germany.

However, Akpinar had an injury, but the Fenerbahce combo guard still played in the final of the Turkish league a few weeks before the preparation for the European Championship.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old noted that he had an enormously difficult season psychologically.

"In the summer, just before the season was over and we were still in the finals, I talked to coach Herbert," Akpinar recalled. "I said that I needed a little break for myself mentally. Physically I was fine, as I did not play much in the EuroLeague. However, I was away from family, girlfriend, and friends for so long, and it was not easy for me, even though I have a Turkish background."

Accordingly, Akpinar made it clear that he would like to skip the Qualifiers games, adding that he will still be available for the EuroBasket once he has recharged his batteries.

Also, his goal was to get a better place in the rotation of the unknown Fenerbahce coach at the time. Such a request for a rest was apparently met with incomprehension by those responsible at the German Basketball Federation.

Ismet Akpinar

MIN:2.1PTS:0 (NAN%)REB:0As:0ST:0BL:0TO:0GM:1ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

"That didn't go down well, and it hurt me to be treated like that because it was the same situation with the ALBA and Bayern players and likewise the NBA players!" Akpinar said.

Among others, Maodo Lo, Johannes Thiemann, and many other EuroLeague players also joined the team later. This exception was incomprehensibly denied to Akpinar. However, it was not the biggest problem for the former ALBA Berlin guard.

"What bothered me the most was that the federation told me they would discuss my request. However, nothing came after that. I found out through Instagram that I will not be part of the national team for EuroBasket."

In the past, the German Basketball Federation had already been criticized for poor communication on several occasions.

"It would have been enough for me if someone came up to me and said, 'Hey Isi, we decided on other players in your position or whatever. Next summer, you'll have another chance'," Akpinar added.

Finally, Akpinar emphasized that he does not want to play for Germany in the upcoming windows for the time being.

Fenerbahce prevented him from playing a few times in the past due to the tight EuroLeague schedule. However, even if his club were to release him in the future, he does not want to play for the German national team in the near future.

Urbonus

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.