Zurab Talakvadze

Kutluay was sensational for Turkey!

Turkey destroyed Giannis Antotokounmpo and his pesky Greece in the semi finals and will test the classym Germany in the Gold Medal game. The country of Rammstein, Scorpions and Kreator downd Lauri Markkanen and his Finland, while Turkey overcame Giannis and his team on the semifinals. And way before this edition of Eurobasket started to breath, Turkey played in the Finals twice. Once in the Eurobasket and 15 years ago at the world Championships, also played in Turkey.  I witnessed Turkish dream come true twice. For the first time back in 2001. Turkey was hosting the European Championships and National Team went straight to the finals.

Turkey had a very strong team. Mehmet Tunceri, Ibrahim Kutluay, Mehmet Okur, Hidayet Turkoglu, Mirsad Turkcan were the unstoppable forces, X-Factors for that team. The rest was full of formidable pieces, that were giving Turkey some much needed depth. Orhun Ene, Asim Pars, Harun Erdenay, Kaya Peker, Huseyin Besok, Haluk Yildirim and Omer Onan were giving this incredible team some needed colors and the coaching stuff was running that NT with ease. It was nowhere to be guaranteed even a medal (despite the host factor), but that team was destined to finish high. And, boy, high they did.

Turkey had serious group battles. Turkey were playing in Ankara alongside Spain, Latvia and Slovenia. Each and every team presented a serious threat to Kutluay and Co. They started that war of underdogs with a come from behind win against Latvia, 85:82. Latvia was a better team in the first half and suffocated Turkish stars with a tight defense and some timely shooting from the distance. All in all, Turkey was a better team and went on to finish off Latvians, as Kutluay paced the winners with 20 points. A balanced attack was more or less alive in the second half, as Turkey prevailed. Mirsad Turkcan, the giant killer power forward had 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. They overcame 21 points from Ainars Bagatskis and 20 points/11 rebounds from a rebound king Kaspars Kambala. The start was encouraging. Now, off to the next game. Turkey was facing Slovenia.

A very tough, noncompromising game. Ariel McDonald was a new star for Slovenia, as he destroyed a good defensive team with some timely lay ups and midrange shots. McDonald finished with 15 points and 3 dimes, while the tall terror, named Rasho Nesterovic beat down every body thrown at him. The future NBA champion with San Antonio was unstoppable in the paint and finished with 20 points and 11 boards. Slovenia was too tough, too fast and too good. All in all, Slovenia went on to win the game 71:57. Turkey did not have the answers to Slovenia’s defense. They did not stop Sani Becirovic or Marko Milic as well. Slovenia was ready and willing. The third game was decisive for the host nation. Turkey needed the rest. And, Turkey needed the win. This is a do or die game. A clincher. A decider for Turkey.

The next in line, Spain with some super stars in the fold. Juan-Carlos Navarro was unstoppable, averaging 15 points per game and the joker, the quiet assassin Pau Gasol was standing tall in the center. They did not stop either of them as Navarro finished with 24 points and made ¾ three pointers. Gasol was the monster in the middle and caused some serious problems for the hosts. Pau finished with 21 points, 10 boards and a great defense. But…! Turkey had Kutluay. Who made 5 three pointers! Who made 10/11 free throws. Who was super creative and effort less. Who was simply the MAN! Ibrahim ended up with 35 (!!!) points. He won the game. 84:79/

Turkey finished first in the group stage and avoided some needed quarter finals play offs.

We will be back with a second part.