EuroBasket 2025: On the Road to Riga with the Turkish National Team
On Friday, at the Turkish Basketball Federation’s Development Center, the Turkish National Team gathered with the media ahead of EuroBasket 2025. Head Coach Ergin Ataman, Team Captain Cedi Osman, rising NBA star Alperen Şengün, General Manager Nedim Yücel, and Federation Vice President Harun Erdenay all shared their thoughts and expectations before the championship.
Following Saturday’s final preparation game against Montenegro, the team – and we alongside them – will depart for Riga on Monday morning.
Head Coach Ergin Ataman: “Our Goal Is a Medal”
“We have built a strong team chemistry during this preparation period. Roles are clear, and the players’ confidence is growing every day.
Since 1935, Turkey has won just one medal in EuroBasket history – the silver we claimed in 2001. Ninety years, one medal. Now, we are determined to change that.
We are not here to just qualify from the group or make the quarterfinals. We are here to win a medal. Serbia may look like the clear favorite, but beyond them, there are at least nine or ten teams that can compete for the podium – and we are one of them.”
Captain Cedi Osman: “The Team Spirit Is Strong”
“Everything has been going very well. We played four preparation games, and the last three were especially strong. The chemistry in this team feels special – it’s been a long time since we had such a positive atmosphere.
Our group is tough, but we will take it one game at a time. Playing for the national team is always an honor and a source of pride.”
Alperen Şengün: “We’re Going to Fight for a Medal”
“The team chemistry is excellent. We know we are heading into a very challenging group, with Serbia as favorites and Latvia as the host nation. But we trust ourselves. We are going there to fight, and we are going there to win a medal. I truly believe we will return home with one.”
General Manager Nedim Yücel: “We Believe in This Team”
“With just a few days left before EuroBasket, tomorrow’s game against Montenegro will complete our preparation. We had a very productive training camp – the players worked with great dedication.
We believe in this team, and we are confident they will represent our country in the best way possible.”
Federation Vice President Harun Erdenay: “One of the Most Prepared Teams of the Tournament”
“As a former player, I can confidently say we have one of the strongest squads in the tournament. Aside from a few injuries, our preparation has been solid.
We played well against Germany, defeated the Czechs, and even managed to beat Lithuania on their home court – one of the toughest opponents. Our goal is clear: get out of the group, reach the quarterfinals, and go as far as we can.”
Tournament Schedule – Group A (Arena Riga, Latvia)
Ribaund Basketbol & Medisa SportsWorks Perspective
Together with Ribaund Basketball’s Editor-in-Chief Tolga Yenigün, I will be in Riga until September 15. Our aim is not only to cover the scores but also to capture the atmosphere behind the scenes – the practices, the locker-room spirit, Ataman’s leadership, and the players’ mindset.
Ribaund Basketbol, the voice of Turkish basketball, will once again bring the pulse of the game to its readers. And through Medisa SportsWorks, we will reflect on EuroBasket not only as a sporting event but also as a platform where media, communication, and strategy converge.
In Conclusion
EuroBasket 2025 begins under the shadow of favorites like Serbia, Germany, and France. But with its young talents, experienced leaders, the full backing of the federation, and the vision of Ergin Ataman, Turkey is ready to write one of the tournament’s surprise stories.
Being alongside the national team in such a major event is not only a professional responsibility, but also a personal honor.
🇹🇷🏀 We’ll be bringing you every detail, live from Riga.
