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Mehmet Okur, Turkey
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From
Nba.com: Played in Turkey
for five seasons (1997-98 to 2001-02). Participated in the 2002 Pistons
International Games as a member of the Turkish National team preparing for the
2002 FIBA World Basketball Championship In the FIBA World Championships,
averaged 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.1 blocks and 27.0 minutes in
eight games, seven as a starter. An early entry candidate for the 2000 NBA Draft
before withdrawing his name from consideration. Now eligible to be drafted as a
player playing outside the United States who is in the year of his 22nd
birthday. Has been a member of several national teams since 1997. Was a member
of the Turkish National Team at the 1997 22-and-Under World Championship and the
1998 22-and-Under European Championship. Playing for Tofas Bursa in 1998-99,
helped team to Turkish National Cup and league championship. Played for Oyak
Bursa in 1997-98 before moving to Tofas Bursa for 1998-99 season. When Tofas
Bursa disbanded following 1999-2000 season, was quickly recruited and signed by
Efes Pilsen, one of the top European teams. In his first season with Efes Pilsen,
has been a contributor while playing 18.3 minutes a game through the first 26
games. Averaging 8.9 points and 6.2 rebounds. Has three-point range and hit an
impressive 14 of 27 treys (51.9%). In Suproleague games, has averaged 7.3 points
and 3.9 rebounds in 16.2 minutes of play. Last year in Euroleague competition
for Tofas Bursa, produced 5.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in only 19
minutes per game. In regular season play, averaged 6.6 points and 5.7 rebounds
in 19.8 minutes. According to scouting reports, has polished low-post game and
is a good offensive rebounder. On defense, has the ability to block shots and
defend close to the basket. |
Memo Okur Profile
Name: Mehmet Okur (meh-MEHT' oh-KOOR')
Postion: Forward/Center
Nickname: Memo
Born: 05/26/1979
Status: Active
Origin: Yalova, Turkey
Height: 6-11/2,11m
Weight: 249lbs./112,9 kg.
Schools: Efes Pilsen (Turkey)
Drafted: 2001, Second Round, pick 38 by Pistons
Languages: Turkish, English
Website: InterBasket & memo13
Teams (jersey): Turkish National Team (13), Oyak Renault, Tofaş, Detroit
Pistons (13), Utah Jazz (13)
Ibn Facts: A flexible power forward/center that is equally comfortable shooting long
jumpers as he is banging down in the low-post, Mehmet Okur is a rare asset and
has developed a reputation for hitting big shots during crunch time."(Okur)
run(s) well. He can really shoot the ball. He can pass the ball. He has some
post moves..." Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, 2005
EuroBasket2005.com: How all-around can a center be? Mehmet Okur is
out to prove the limits. He can do anything on any part of the court. His
immense versatility was always on display but he just couldn’t utilize it to the
fullest. Now he is out to prove that he might very well be the best center in
Europe.
Okur can do anything you might ask from a big man. He rebounds well. Although
he is not the best athlete around his timing make him a great block threat. He
has a very good low post game etc etc… Just these qualities would make him an
immediate star in a basketball world deprived of quality 2.10 players.
But that’s not all Okur can do. As well as all the talents of a big man, Okur
also has the qualities of a small forward. He has a very good jumper and 3-point
range. He can put the ball on the floor to abuse other giants who can’t keep up
in a foot race with him. He is a tireless worker. Always running the floor like
a forward to finish the break. Heck! He even makes his free throws to the tune
of %85+. He just created his own position, his own niche on the basketball
court. He is a center-forward…
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