Turkish NT 2023

[Toruko2]

Do you guys think ozdemiroglu, Yilmaz and kabaca are going to get +10 minutes in EL next season? I really hope sadik is going to be 1 of the 2 pf's on the roster, personally I also think Yilmaz and ozdemiroglu could potentially get a niche role under erdem can. It's going to be exciting to see this much talented Turkish players on our 2 EL teams as bitim,sanli and osmani are also getting linked with Fenerbahce. (Also really like the idea of hazer going to bursa in a swap deal it would be amazing for both) What do you guys think?

Erdem Can made the impression that he likes to get the max out of all his players but Efes possibilities are different than Ankaras. I am pretty optimistic about the usage of Kabaca in the EL and Yilmaz also can contribute well in terms of defending, rebounding and doing other little things but to get a serious role he has to increase his 3 point percentage.

Ozdemiroglu is according to my perspective not a EL talent. He will most likely get a similar role like Balbay. I would have preferred Kenan Sipahi tbh.

 

[Camoka2]

Wilbekin - Sipahi - Ozdemiroglu
Korkmaz - Hazer
Osman - Bitim
Osmani - Kabaca - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Sanlı

I think it is the best possible roster for qualification tournament. I would take Wilbekin over Larkin. Larkin is away from his prime. He hesitates to shot 3pt and it affects his all game. Also Wilbekin can give more on defence. Yılmaz can be an option. But I think Hazer and Bitim deserve to be on roster more than him. Yurtseven's situation is not clear. Ataman waits an apologize from him and as a Turk, I wait too. But anyway, taking three centers is not optimal and I take Sanlı over him at this moment. Buyuktuncel needs time and he is not ready. His performance in u19 tournament will be important but he can play 3,4 and 5. He can be 12th player on roster. Lastly, Osmani fits better in starting 5 than Kabaca. He has size and better on defence. Sengun, Kabaca big duo would be problem on defence.

 

[Toruko2]

Wilbekin - Sipahi - Ozdemiroglu
Korkmaz - Hazer
Osman - Bitim
Osmani - Kabaca - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Sanlı

I think it is the best possible roster for qualification tournament. I would take Wilbekin over Larkin. Larkin is away from his prime. He hesitates to shot 3pt and it affects his all game. Also Wilbekin can give more on defence. Yılmaz can be an option. But I think Hazer and Bitim deserve to be on roster more than him. Yurtseven's situation is not clear. Ataman waits an apologize from him and as a Turk, I wait too. But anyway, taking three centers is not optimal and I take Sanlı over him at this moment. Buyuktuncel needs time and he is not ready. His performance in u19 tournament will be important but he can play 3,4 and 5. He can be 12th player on roster. Lastly, Osmani fits better in starting 5 than Kabaca. He has size and better on defence. Sengun, Kabaca big duo would be problem on defence.

Its better like this

Sipahi - Ozdemiroglu
Wilbekin - Bitim
Osman - Korkmaz - Yilmaz
Kabaca - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Yurtseven - Sanli

If you have Sipahi - Wilbekin - Osman in the backcourt Kabaca and Sengun are not a problem.

 

[Camoka2]

Ataman stated that all players will be included in the camp roster. It seems like Yurtseven will also be in. It gonna be 21 mans camp roster and it will be announced tomorrow.

 

[Toruko2]

The extended 21 man roster for the FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying tournament. As expected no Melih Mahmutoglu and no Bugrahan Tuncer anymore. We are going with Kenan Sipahi.

Omer Yurtseven was called as expected but we can never be sure of him. Even if he comes he can leave the camp without saying anything. If something like this happens again we really should give up on him.

Additionally, it is a good sign for Buyuktuncel to be summoned. The only absentee due to injury seems to be Adem Bona.

 

[slice me nice2]

Highly logical choices, and it's also extremely pleasing that Tuncer and Mahmutoglu are not included in the team. I have only one criticism, or rather a wish. I argue that in the NT's extended roster, a spot should be reserved for players who have shown improvement during the season and whose development is linear even if those players play in lower league. This season, that player is Goktug Bas. I believe that players in the TBL should know that they are being watched and that they should earn the reward of being called up to the NT by their hard work. This doesn't mean that these types of players are at the national team level, this decision will only allow players who have proven themselves at a lower level to train with NBA and BSL players for a month, learn from them, and maintain their self-motivation. Hardworking players who remain true to their talents need to be supported at some point. There won't be much of a difference between calling up 21 players and 22 players. These players won't find a place in the final roster anyway. The greatest benefits in this story will be training at a higher level and starting the season motivated and fresh.

TBF has to try every possible way to gain players. Victory doesn't come solely through systems built around star players. The complementary pieces also need to be adapted to the system in various ways. What I've explained is just one of those ways. If what I've said is implemented, it will definitely benefit the NT.

 

[Toruko2]

Our shooting guard Onuralpas Bitimas signed a two way contract with the Chicago Bulls. I dont know what to think about this but the Chicago fans seem to be really hyped about him.

 

[slice me nice2]

Bitim was the most spectacular player among all Turkish prospects and remains my favorite player. With his impressive performances in youth level, he promised extraordinary things and was immediately and naturally labeled as an NBA prospect. It would have been great if, like other top-level prospects of his generation, he had already proven himself in the NBA or Euroleague, but he focused solely on active basketball, especially mentally, with Bursaspor in only last two years. To make up for lost time, he had to take a risk and ended up signing with the Bulls, skipping several steps at once. Whether it will be worth it, we will see. He has reached a significant momentum in his career. Despite being on the verge of disappearing, he somehow held onto basketball and, more importantly, showed signs of becoming the player he could be while playing U-level basketball. However, in general, it's not very likely that he will make it to the main roster in the Bulls and have a permanent spot in the NBA. Even between Eurocup and Euroleague, there is a considerable level gap, and for a player who is not attempting to compete at the highest level in Europe while also not knowing how he will contribute in an environment where his shot volume may decrease naturally raises a lot of question marks about whether he will succeed in the NBA. But, as I said, Bitim always saw himself as NBA material and wanted to try his luck at the first opportunity.

Now, at the age of 24, if he wants to become an NBA player, he doesn't have time to waste. It's a serious challenge, and if he is given a chance during the year, I believe and hope he won't miss the opportunity with his skill set that can adapt to the NBA tempo. Whether this opportunity comes through training performance or G-League performance is still uncertain, as some unexpected developments, including injuries, will need to happen for him to get playing time initially.

 

[Camoka2]

Guys, do you know anything for our NBA players and Larkin or Wilbekin? When do they participate training camp?

 

[Toruko2]

Guys, do you know anything for our NBA players and Larkin or Wilbekin? When do they participate training camp?

The NBA players should join at the beginning of August. Larkin or Wilbekin will probably join when they feel to do it.

 

[Camoka2]

It seems like Yurtseven joined to the National team. He is in izmir now. As far as I know, Cedi spends most of his summer on trip with his wife. He is always ready for National team but this time he might be out of shape. And Alperen is still in USA. Furkan is in Turkey but I do not know where he is.

 

[Toruko2]

According to Umit Avci Cedi Osman will not participate this season and Alperen Sengun had offered to play without preparation so there is a chance that he wont participate either. Furkan Korkmaz looks good as well as Omer Yurtseven. Dont know about Bitims situation after he signed to the Bulls.

I am honest. I wont cry after Cedi but Sengun is a big disappointment (if he doesnt appear)

To our naturalized guys. Larkin will join soon but he has problems with his knee again and with Wilbekin there is no contact so far.

 

[slice me nice2]

It seems that it is already certain we will compete in the Pre-Olympic qualifying tournament without Sengun and Osman, as well as without any naturalized players. Despite these absences, I believe that we have the potential to secure the top spot in the tournament and qualify for the OQT next summer. However, it appears that the attitudes of NBA players are not pleasing to many people. At some point, it is necessary to understand their decisions. Burning the ships and judging players with one-sided thinking are definitely the easiest parts of this case.

Sengun wants to enter the season well-rested and ready to reflect the high-tempo individual training rhythm on the court. Osman, on the other hand, has been joining the national team every summer for years, and considering the relatively lightweight nature of the tournament, he may have wanted to take a break. Taking into account how mentally drained Osman has been in the national team, having this summer off could be beneficial for both parties.

Playing against teams like Croatia, who is the one and only B- level team, and C and C- class teams like Iceland, Bulgaria, Sweden, etc., we shouldn't necessarily require a full roster to defeat them. The deficiencies of some players could be a great opportunity for adapting the valuable pieces to the NT. Players like Kabaca and Bitim, who have the potential to take on serious responsibilities, and Buyuktuncel, who will gain experience if he makes it to the final roster, can turn this tournament into an opportunity to become significant assets for the national team in the future.

Looking at our current players, a potential lineup with Sipahi - Korkmaz - Bitim - Kabaca - Yurtseven will be sufficient to make a significant difference at this level. Our existing players also have enough quality, and this final 12 is more than ok in my opinion.

Sipahi - Ozdemiroglu
Korkmaz - Hazer - Arslan
Bitim - Yilmaz
Kabaca - Buyuktuncel - Osmani
Yurtseven - Sanli
​

 

[Ibo2]

It seems that it is already certain we will compete in the Pre-Olympic qualifying tournament without Sengun and Osman, as well as without any naturalized players. Despite these absences, I believe that we have the potential to secure the top spot in the tournament and qualify for the OQT next summer. However, it appears that the attitudes of NBA players are not pleasing to many people. At some point, it is necessary to understand their decisions. Burning the ships and judging players with one-sided thinking are definitely the easiest parts of this case.

Sengun wants to enter the season well-rested and ready to reflect the high-tempo individual training rhythm on the court. Osman, on the other hand, has been joining the national team every summer for years, and considering the relatively lightweight nature of the tournament, he may have wanted to take a break. Taking into account how mentally drained Osman has been in the national team, having this summer off could be beneficial for both parties.

Playing against teams like Croatia, who is the one and only B- level team, and C and C- class teams like Iceland, Bulgaria, Sweden, etc., we shouldn't necessarily require a full roster to defeat them. The deficiencies of some players could be a great opportunity for adapting the valuable pieces to the NT. Players like Kabaca and Bitim, who have the potential to take on serious responsibilities, and Buyuktuncel, who will gain experience if he makes it to the final roster, can turn this tournament into an opportunity to become significant assets for the national team in the future.

Looking at our current players, a potential lineup with Sipahi - Korkmaz - Bitim - Kabaca - Yurtseven will be sufficient to make a significant difference at this level. Our existing players also have enough quality, and this final 12 is more than ok in my opinion.

Sipahi - Ozdemiroglu
Korkmaz - Hazer - Arslan
Bitim - Yilmaz
Kabaca - Buyuktuncel - Osmani
Yurtseven - Sanli
​

Does anyone even understand why we didn't accept sengun's offer to only come a week before the first game instead of 3 weeks before? This federation is a joke, I'm not ready for ataman and hedo's interviews about this situation where they are going to bash sengun for "letting his country down

 

[slice me nice2]

Sengun's proposal didn't seem very meaningful to me, to be honest. He should have either come and joined the team, including the preparation period, or asked for forgiveness for this summer. Accepting a counter offer like 'Let me play the games without any training' could set a precedent for NBA players to come back with similar offers in the future. Such approaches go against the concept of teamwork. Approving of this would have been wrong. Most importantly, it would have shown disrespect to the efforts of other players. From this perspective, Sengun's even considering such an offer was a serious mistake. It was evident that someone with a colossal ego like Ergin Ataman wouldn't accept it.

The national team will play against Italy on August 4th and against either China or Cape Verde on August 5th. Playing against serious opponents is crucial for being well-prepared for the tournament.
​

 

[Camoka2]

Probably, it is a kind way to ask for forgiveness for this summer. He already know that Ataman or any other real coach wouldn't accept it. I think it is a lose for both parties but it is a bigger lose for Sengun. I do not like Sengun at 4 and at 5, we have Sengun, Yurtseven and Sanli. There is no enough minutes and probably one of them would be out of rotation. I do not like 4 mans big rotation like Ene did in Canada. We need some clear roles and that is clear now. I think Ataman's biggest upset for all these absences is Larkin (or Wilbekin). We have only Sipahi and Ugurlu as real PG but both of them can be a problem in crucial times. I do not like Ozdemiroglu and Hazer as PG. But we have an enough power to win this Qualifiers at home.

For Sengun, he has not played since mid April. Almost 6 months without a serious game is not good for a basketball player. He has played for a loser team for 2 seasons. There was a chance to lead the team and win some games in home court. It would be better practice than personel trainings. We ask him only 3 weeks of 6 months. I think really a fair deal. He is not same Jokic which lead his team to the championship.

 

[Ibo2]

It looks like sengun has changed his mind about joining the NT, it's been reported that he is joining the team in Italy where he will also participate in the preparation games

 

[Camoka2]

I really wonder how Ataman use this big rotation.

Kabaca - Osmani - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Yurtseven - Sanli

Personally, I do not like Sengun at 4. Will Sanli be out of rotation or even 12 man roster? He might be useful against Zubac.

Our main opponent has same problem. They have Zubac, Saric, Matkovic, Samanic, Zizic, . Also they have Ivisic twins and Prkacin. Prkacin and Gnjidic have played with team for European Qualifiers and they seem good. I heard that they have their naturalized guy Jalen Smith( if I remember correctly his name) from Alba and Hezonja. Bogdanovic is a question mark.

 

[Toruko2]

I really wonder how Ataman use this big rotation.

Kabaca - Osmani - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Yurtseven - Sanli

Personally, I do not like Sengun at 4. Will Sanli be out of rotation or even 12 man roster? He might be useful against Zubac.

Our main opponent has same problem. They have Zubac, Saric, Matkovic, Samanic, Zizic, . Also they have Ivisic twins and Prkacin. Prkacin and Gnjidic have played with team for European Qualifiers and they seems good. I heard that they have their naturalized guy Jalen Smith( if I remember correctly his name) from Alba and Hezonja. Bogdanovic is a question mark.

Bogdanovic retired.

 

[janketa2]

I really wonder how Ataman use this big rotation.

Kabaca - Osmani - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Yurtseven - Sanli

Personally, I do not like Sengun at 4. Will Sanli be out of rotation or even 12 man roster? He might be useful against Zubac.

Our main opponent has same problem. They have Zubac, Saric, Matkovic, Samanic, Zizic, . Also they have Ivisic twins and Prkacin. Prkacin and Gnjidic have played with team for European Qualifiers and they seem good. I heard that they have their naturalized guy Jalen Smith( if I remember correctly his name) from Alba and Hezonja. Bogdanovic is a question mark.

Kabaca - Osmani - Buyuktuncel
Sengun - Sanli

I don't like Sengun too, but at least he is better then Yurtseven​