Photo: FIBA

Following a start to EuroBasket 2025, the selector of the senior national team of Turkiye, Ergin Ataman, reflected on a convincing victory against Group A host Latvia, a result that immediately set the tone for his squad.

“I think when you play on the road, the beginning is very important. So, we started the game very well with great defense, we moved the ball, inside and outside, and we took control of the game. Only in the last part of the second quarter, we had some unnecessary turnovers. The beginning of the second half was important as well. We did not let them find easy shots,” explained the 59-year-old tactician, emphasizing both the discipline and intensity that his players brought to the floor.

Confident in his team’s performance, Ataman went further in praising the overall effort: “I think we played perfect basketball. A very important win for us. I think we showed all of Europe that we are one of the best teams in this tournament.”

His words carried not just satisfaction with the night’s outcome, but also a clear statement of intent for the remainder of the competition.

With a 1-0 record in the demanding five-game round-robin stage, Turkiye now turns its attention to the next obstacle, a duel with Czechia at the Xiaomi Arena on Friday. Ataman reminded everyone that the road ahead remains challenging.

“Before the game, I saw that everybody thought Latvia was the favorite. But I told my players that we are a strong team and we showed this on the court. Now, it is important to continue with the same kind of basketball for the remaining games,” he noted, underlining the need for consistency.

Central to the triumph was guard Kenan Sipahi, who sparked the offense early with 13 points in the opening half and ultimately finished with 19, shooting a flawless 5/5 from beyond the arc, along with perfect records inside the paint and at the free-throw line.

His efficiency and composure were crucial in silencing the Latvian crowd. Afterward, the 30-year-old highlighted the unity within the roster.

“We share the ball. Everybody plays for the team. We know who are our offensive and defensive leaders, and everything. It is just one game. We will try to do our best in upcoming games.”

For the host nation, the evening was sobering. Latvia, expected by many to begin their home tournament on a high note, fell short against Turkiye’s poise and precision.

Looking ahead to their next test, they will face Estonia in a Baltic clash that could determine their momentum going forward.

Coach Luca Banchi acknowledged the disappointment but pointed to the larger challenge that still lies before his squad.

“It’s not the way we were expecting to start the tournament. It’s a way to set the tone of this tournament, where we have a very tough group with incredible teams.”

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