Rudy Fernandez backs Turkey’s golden EuroBasket potential

Sep 12, 2025 4:59 PM

Rudy Fernandez, serving as the official ambassador of EuroBasket 2025, expressed strong belief in the potential of the Turkish national basketball team to claim the ultimate prize.

The Spanish legend, a player whose career is decorated with two FIBA World Cup titles and four EuroBasket triumphs, spoke with the Turkish news agency Anadolu and shared his thoughts on why Alperen Şengün and his teammates could realistically go all the way.

“Turkey is playing very well. Two weeks ago, when I watched their first game against Latvia, I tweeted that they played very well. Now they have a chance to advance to the semifinal. They will have an important game against Greece, but they are doing very well. I think Turkey has a chance to win the gold medal. I wouldn’t be surprised if they win. They are a competitive team. They have a good group of players. They have a successful coach. They know how to play these types of games. They have experienced players like Larkin and Cedi Osman. In my opinion, they definitely have a chance to win the gold medal,” Fernandez stated with conviction.

The veteran guard, who has spent nearly two decades at the highest level of basketball, highlighted the rise of Alperen Şengün, whose breakout displays have not only impressed in this tournament but also attracted attention worldwide.

“Alperen’s performance doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen many of his games in the NBA. He’s young, but he’s very talented. He’s like a big point guard. He’s very intelligent. He identifies the best positions and options for his teammates. Alperen is, without a doubt, one of the best players at EuroBasket 2025.”

Beyond praising Turkey’s players, Fernandez also touched on the leadership of head coach Ergin Ataman. Although the two have never worked directly together, the Spaniard showed admiration for Ataman’s career achievements and competitive nature.

“I’ve never worked with Ergin Ataman. I don’t know him. But I think he’s a very good and competitive coach. I sometimes talk to Juancho Hernangómez. He speaks highly of Ergin Ataman. Juancho had one of his best performances last season in Panathinaikos under him. He probably achieved that thanks to having a coach like Ergin Ataman, who has won three EuroLeague titles. He’s a very good coach and has the opportunity to achieve great things with his national team. I have a lot of respect for him.”

Having played for clubs such as Joventut de Badalona, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets, and Real Madrid, Fernandez has crossed paths with many elite players throughout his career. Asked to name the five best teammates he has ever shared the court with, he did not hesitate.

“Ricky Rubio, Juan Carlos Navarro, Brandon Roy, Pau Gasol, and Marc Gasol,” he made clear.

With such endorsements from one of Europe’s most decorated players, Turkey’s momentum at EuroBasket 2025 gains even more attention.