Turkey has been eliminated from the European Basketball Championship. Head coach Ergin Ataman found few words after the round of 16 thriller against France.
After a great fight, Turkey could have won the round of 16 against France in regulation time. But NBA pro Cedi Osman (Cleveland) missed two free throws seconds before the end and Bugrahan Tuncer gave away the ensuing possession, allowing France to equalise. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so sad, so angry,” a dejected Tuncer tried to find words for what happened afterwards. “It’s unacceptable,” said Euroleague player about the outcome of the final quarter.
His team could have still won in the overtime, but again acted too erratically and without the necessary luck. “I don’t want to comment on the game at all. Maybe it’s the worst, most emotional defeat in my 26-year career,” said Head Coach Ataman, whose bewilderment was still written all over his face at the press conference.
The problems started even before the match
The disappointment was perhaps also so great because the Turks had defied several setbacks. The preparation for the match against France was already riddled with problems: First of all, the arrival in the German capital was delayed after the luggage from Tbilisi (where the 2001 European runners-up played in Group A) could only be picked up at the airport after a delay of about two hours. The planned training session was therefore cancelled. To make matters worse, Turkey also had to do without Shane Larkin, who was flown to Istanbul for treatment due to a finger injury.
The game against the French had started weakly, with only eleven points scored by Ataman’s team. “We then understood that it was time to fight. We played aggressive defence,” said the 56-year-old. But the courage was not rewarded, especially after the break. “France won, but I think we deserved it. But that’s basketball. Sometimes miracles happen. Today it happened against us. “
