Turkoglou: “Ataman spoke with Nan about Turkey – the issue did not go on due to Larkin”

For many and interesting topics the Hendo TurkoglouPresident of the Turkish Basketball Federation and Veteran Forward with a huge NBA term.

Specifically, in an interview with Basketnews, the former NBAER referred to the discussions held with Nan About his integration into national Turkey, but also in the reason they stopped.

At the same time he talked about his presence Ergkin Ataman on the bench of the team and the future of the Turkish technician while dropping him Jedi.

In detail what he said:

Whether the crisis between Fenerbahce and Ergkin Ataman has been resolved:

Yes, we have taken steps. And so far, we are in a good spot. Look, when mistakes occurred, even the Ataman coach admitted it and apologized publicly. As a federation, we did not try to hide it. We said “yes, something went wrong” and we work to fix it.

Because again, the national jersey is the most important of all. We hope to unite as a team, with the strongest roster, and fight.

Whether Ataman’s previous relationships with Galatasaray cause tension or friction with Fenerbahce:

From now on, no. We don’t see it like that. When you come to the national team, everyone is equal. We all wear the same red -white jersey. We leave aside who supports which team. Our only focus should be on one goal: the success of the national team. So far, Fenerbahce understands that.

For his personal relationship with Ataman:

We respect each other. Everyone knows their role. He knows that I am the president, I know he is the coach. Even as a former player, I have never intervened in roster decisions – and I will never. This is the work of the coach. As a federation, our responsibility is to provide them with the best environment: coaching camps, resources, everything they need to fight. Then we evaluate. But we do not intervene during the process.

We all have a strong personality. But again, we respect the roles. And so far, our working relationship has been excellent. Will continue to be. My Board of Directors and I make the overall decisions – beyond basketball – and we will never intervene in training, not even in the team. We support women. Then we evaluate.

For the extent that Eurobasket will decide the future of Ataman with the National Team:

We don’t know it yet. We had an agreement with Ergkin last year to wait until Eurobasket and then decide. Sometimes coaches make their own decisions, sometimes the Board of Directors decides. But if we are in agreement, we will see where it will lead. His contract expires this year. So we haven’t had serious discussions. We agreed to wait and see how Eurobasket would go. But our goal is clear: to make the strongest team possible to compete.

Both for our men’s and for our female groups, our goal is to get into the first 8. So you build a legacy. To do this, first, we aim to win the group. Then to play the best game of our lives in the 16th phase and move on to the quarter -finals. Beyond that, everything can happen.

As to whether Ataman is different now than they used to be in Efes:

Well, it’s different. If you look at the last five years, he is the most successful coach. So you have to show him this respect. Two consecutive years with Efes and in his first year with Panathinaikos. This year, he led the team back to the Final Four.

For Gedi Osman:

Had an excellent year. He even played in our windows. He is at the height of his career at the moment – 30 years old – and finished the season loudly, especially at EuroLeague. We are really proud of him. He is a key player for the national team. These are the best years, between 27 and 33. You are more experienced, more mature and you get your best. It’s just in this window.

For discussions with Cereic Nan to join the national Turkey:

We had discussions with Ergkin because in the past we had Shane Larkin and Scott Wilbekin. And now we have Tariqi too [Μπιμπέροβιτς]. From Ergkin’s point of view, we wanted to see if it was possible. We had discussions, but after a point we stopped. Whatever Ergkin does, he always communicates with us.

It was everyone’s decision. We never know what is happening, injuries and all that. We always try to insure ourselves. Because Scottie was injured and Ergkin cannot play Tariq. And if you look at it, one of the missing points was always a point guard. We thought, “Should we try to explore other options?” And that was all.

For the reasons that did not proceed:

I guess Ergkin feels more comfortable with Larkin because he plays more time with the team. And Larkin came to us, he said he wanted to become a member of the National Team and to help. So that was the main reason. We saw his approach. He wants to return to our national team. He knows the players and all that.

I think that must be the main reason. So he has good chemistry with other players. Sometimes you want to risk, sometimes not. Because the naturalization of Central would now be a risk. He is also a great player. But seeing Larkin’s willingness, making some decisions was easier.

I never spoke to Nan personally. I think besides Ergkin, no one spoke with Nan. They had a little debate, but it didn’t go further because we saw Larkin’s approach.

Whether the case is likely to open again after Eurobasket:

I don’t know. It has always been a coach’s decision who will be on the roster. Because we do not even know the future of Scoti. I haven’t talked to him about his injury and his future. He has not played all year long. So we were waiting for the season to end. And I’m sure our team will have a discussion about him with Fenerbahce, and Larkin as well.