Ergin Ataman sends a message to Anadolu Efes after win with Turkey / News - Basketnews.com

Ergin Ataman hopes that the Turkish national team's defense will inspire his club Anadolu Efes Istanbul.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

After playing effectively on defense, Turkey (3-4) achieved an easy win against Belgium (3-4), with head coach Ergin Ataman emphasizing his team's character.

Turkey / Schedule

Turkey Belgium86-52 Serbia TurkeyMon19:00

Turkey hosted Belgium at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall in the FIBA 2023 World Cup European Qualifiers Group I game.

All 12 national team players stepped on the court and scored at least 1 point.

Turkey national team head coach Ergin Ataman was happy with the team's performance.

"I am very happy that we showed character on the court for 40 minutes today," Ataman said in the post-game press conference. "All 12 players in the team played with their hearts on the court and played aggressive defense."

"We played team basketball by constantly sharing the ball on the offense. I am happy to see my players with this kind of mentality. Congratulations to all of them, a very important win for us. From now on, we will concentrate on the next game against Serbia," added Ataman.

Ataman also talked about Anadolu Efes Istanbul, hoping this victory would inspire his club.

"Frankly, I hope that the national team's defense and the way it shares the ball will be a message to my own team, Anadolu Efes," Ataman stated. "There might be physical fatigue, but mentally, the defeat against Real Madrid was much more severe for me. It was a very difficult match, we played the rematch of last year's EuroLeague final."

"There are problems in my team. I was depressed after consecutive defeats, but still, I concentrated on the Belgium game. It is a great honor for me to work with the Turkish national team. I think that these guys showed honor to basketball fans," the head coach continued.

In the upcoming game, Turkey will face Serbia which will have stars like Vasilije Micic, Vladimir Lucic, Marko Guduric, and others.

2-pointers this season

55%20,3Points made:20,3Accuracy:55,3%Place in standings:6Record max:23Record min:17Most made 2FGs:Will ClyburnTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"Serbia has very important star players," Ataman admitted. "However, against them, we will try to show the character we showed today. We will show our character in defense by constantly sharing the ball on offense. Considering that Belgium beat Serbia away 2-3 months ago, I think we can achieve this too. It will be a very crucial match for both teams."

Coach Ergin Ataman also praised the new-generation players in the team.

"I think it is a source of pride for Turkey that Turkish youth are fighting such a battle today. I am very happy with today's fight," Ataman stated. "It makes me very happy that the Turkish basketball team is fighting like this after many years. It is also a source of pride that Turkish youth put up such a fight the day after 10 November (Atatürk Memorial Day)."

Ataman also mentioned Belgium's performance and stated he has never underestimated them.

"After all, every match is different, I do not underestimate the Belgian team in any way. This team is extremely ambitious," Ataman praised Belgium. "They beat Serbia away 2 or 3 months ago. For this reason, the difference [+34 points] we get, as well as the win, can give us an advantage in possible tiebreaker situations in the future. Now we will focus on the Serbia game."

"Yes, we are in a difficult situation in the qualifiers. Two losses against Greece put pressure on us, but we have three more games ahead of us. Until the last ball, these young people showed they would not stop fighting. I would also like to thank the Istanbul audience," Ataman continued.

Coach Ataman also talked about his and players' busy schedule.

"We have to play such games in Istanbul because there is a very busy schedule. Many of our players came yesterday after playing the EuroLeague match. I returned to Istanbul from Madrid at 7 am this morning. I am very tired, but this win has been a source of strength for me," Ataman concluded.

After this win, Turkey achieved a third victory and kept its hopes alive of qualifying for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

On Monday, the Turkish national team will face Serbia.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.