Fenerhahce GM addresses Calathes' case and Wilbekin's suspension / News - Basketnews.com

Derya Yannier discusses Nick Calathes' status, Scottie Wilbekin's suspension, and controversies surrounding recent transfers.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

During the EuroLeague media day, Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul general manager Derya Yannier addressed some hot topics in the press conference.

Yannier began by discussing Nick Calathes, whose status in the team had initially been uncertain.

He explained, "At the start of the preparations, both Bjelica and Calathes were not part of our initial planning. However, due to Raul Neto's injury, circumstances changed, and we needed to reinforce certain positions. Nick was under contract with us, and we believed in his abilities. We hoped for a better solution for both parties.

"Subsequently, conditions changed, and we chose to stay away from rigid behavior. Nick is currently part of our team, but if circumstances demand it, we are open to exploring other solutions."

Regarding Scottie Wilbekin, who had received a 5-game suspension by the federation due to his absence from the Turkish national team this past summer, Yannier clarified, "Scottie Wilbekin's situation paralleled that of Shane Larkin. We, as a club, issued a statement in this matter. We had been in communication with authorities during the summer when this decision was made.

"We expressed our disagreement with the ruling, which includes a 5-match suspension and a fine. We've sought arbitration, and we expect a decision within the week. We hope for a reversal of this decision as we believe the clubs had already administered their own penalties."

Last but not least, Yannier addressed comments made during the transfer processes of recent additions to the team, Yam Madar and Georgios Papagiannis.

"Yam Madar had an existing contract with his previous club and was presented to us as a free player," Yannier said. "Our coach directly contacted Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic. We conducted our business legally and added an available player to our squad.

"As for Papagiannis, he was an inactive player, and although Panathinaikos was interested, they couldn't secure the transfer. We particularly disapprove of statements made about our coach during these processes, and we have taken the necessary steps to address them. There is nothing missing or wrong on our part," the executive concluded.

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