Basketball News: Turkish National Team Coach, Ergin Ataman, praised his team’s performance and gave special appreciation to captain Cedi Osman after their convincing victory over Lithuania in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in the European zone.
Osman scored 22 points in just over 20 minutes as Türkiye won 94-66, extending their winning streak to 7-0 in Group J.
“We once again showed our strength and played extraordinary basketball. We started the match very well both in attack and defense, found the right shooting positions, and scored in deep areas through Omer Faruk, Adem and Cedi. Every player who took to the court made a big contribution. We played like a great team,” said Ergin Ataman.
Ataman stressed that Türkiye’s focus now immediately turns to Monday’s away match against Iceland, which he described as another crucial step towards the World Cup.
“If we win that game, we will be guaranteed a place in the World Cup by 99 percent,” he said. “That’s why this match is so important for us. As always, it’s the players who perform at the highest level who will take to the field.”
This experienced coach explained that the current team has developed over three years and maintains the core of the squad that won the silver medal at EuroBasket 2025. He also highlighted the team’s *chemistry* or cohesiveness even without the presence of Alperen Sengun and Shane Larkin who are currently injured.
“We have big ambitions, but our players also have great quality,” added Ataman. “When everyone puts their egos aside, we are able to play the kind of basketball we showed today.”
Article Tags: Turkish national team, Cedi Osman, Ergin Ataman
Published by Ligaolahraga.com at https://www.ligaolahraga.com/basket/ergin-ataman-puji-penampilan-cedi-osman-di-besarnyanya