Dimitris Itoudis sends emotional message to Turkish people / News - Basketnews.com

"As a club, we have shown our social face besides the face of the sports," Itoudis said after the 97-94 win over Partizan on Thursday night.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul head coach Dimitris Itoudis gave an emotional tribute to the people of Turkey after the EuroLeague Round 25 win in Belgrade.

Player of the Game EFF 35 Marko Guduric Points 25 Accuracy 7-10 Rebounds 2 Assists 7

"For us, and for Turkey, unfortunately, it was a very emotional moment and very devastating news that we have witnessed. So many people have lost their lives, their properties. As a club, we have shown our social face besides the face of the sports," Itoudis addressed the devasting earthquakes in Turkey post-game.

"In our micro world, we have to continue life and try to become better," the 52-year-old specialist underlined. "Each and every individual knows what he has to do to help society and the Turkish people that have suffered. We did that. We showed that from our president. I hope there won't be any more devastating news anywhere in the world."

Itoudis reiterated his words at the beginning of the press conference.

"I would like to start by saying that this was an emotional game for us. You are all aware that Turkey was hit by devastating earthquakes. We had to postpone or cancel certain competitions. It is clear that wounds cannot heal so quickly, all losses are huge and devastating," Itoudis pointed out.

"As Fenerbahce, we showed awareness and how important it is to be alive and enjoy life. I hope this will never happen again," he added.

Fenerbahce players -- Marko Guduric and Dyshawn Pierre -- had a similar message.

"[After the earthquake] for a week nobody talked about basketball. As we all know a lot of people died including my ex-teammates. It was not easy to see them suffer, but life has to continue. So I just pray for everybody out there," Guduric said post-game.

"For our team, it [win] was very important, and for the fans, the people back home. Basketball is important for our team but it's not the main thing right now. So we're happy we could win and bring a little bit of light," Pierre added.

Fenerbahce improved to 15-9 and now holds a two-game lead over Partizan (13-12), as well as the head-to-head tiebreak advantage.

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