Besiktas GM backs Dusan Alimpijevic on controversy about local players / News - Basketnews.com

The General Manager of Besiktas Istanbul, Nedim Yucel, spoke about the team's local player policy and supported head coach Dusan Alimpijevic after his controversial statements about the work ethic of Turkish players.

Credit: IMAGO/nordphoto GmbH / Hafner-Scanpix Credit IMAGO/nordphoto GmbH / Hafner-Scanpix

In an interview with Basketfaul, the new GM of Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul talked about the foundational philosophy of the team and backed Dusan Alimpijevic on the coach's statements about Turkish players, which caused controversy in the Turkish basketball community.

2-pointers this season

48%19,5Points made:19,5Accuracy:48,1%Place in standings:11Record max:22Record min:17Most made 2FGs:Angel Luis DelgadoTeamEuroCupStatisticsSchedule

"We are playing with an understanding promoted by our coach, which underlines team performance instead of individual performances," Yucel said. "One of our biggest advantages is that we can play with a rotation of 11-12 players."

Nedim Yucel elaborated on the team's transfer policy regarding Turkish players.

"Except for the promotions we made from our youth team to our senior team, we made very efficient local signings. Besiktas is a club that is dearly connected to its own resources, and this is how we reach success.

"Especially at the beginning of the year, we trusted Samet [Yigitoglu] and Kerem Konan, making no additions to the local big men rotation with the exception of Berkan [Durmaz]."

Continuing the local players' topic, Yucel stood behind Alimpijevic after the head coach criticized Turkish players for lacking work ethic.

"If we have 6 foreign players, local players have to fight more for their contract and minutes," the Serbian specialist had stated before. "Perhaps this way, they will not spend all of their time in Bodrum and Cesme. Maybe they will come early to team practice and do physical training."

Yucel supported his coach.

"Nobody should forget that Alimpijevic, during the time he spent in Turkey, was the first and foremost a coach that contributed to the development of players," Yucel said. "He does not discriminate local or foreign players and gives everyone the minutes they deserve."

According to Yucel, this philosophy behind local players contributes to Besiktas's primary goal to revive the fans' passion for a team that used to be a powerhouse of Turkish basketball.

"Our goal is to create a squad worthy of the 'Akatlar spirit,'" Akatlar Sports Complex being the home court of Besiktas Emlakjet Istanbul.

Besiktas is currently 2-0 in the EuroCup after beating Joventut Badalona in Spain and Prometey Slobozhanske at home. They will host Cedevita Olimpija next week.

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