Selen Erdem: Türkiye’s rising basketball coach joins PAS Giannina, embracing style and discipline
The trailblazing 40-year-old coach, known for her passion for suits, heels, and Fatih Terim-inspired moves, is ready to lead PAS Giannina Women’s Basketball Team to success
Newsroom
The 40-year-old Turkish coach, with a remarkable background that includes serving with her national team, has been officially announced as the new head coach for PAS Giannina Women’s Basketball Team.
Fatih Terim, famous for his charismatic style on the sidelines during matches, had a brief stint in Greece as Panathinaikos’ coach. Known for his expressive reactions and memorable quotes, Terim left a lasting impression.
Now, months after Terim’s departure, PAS Giannina introduces his “female counterpart,” Selen Erdem, as the new coach of their women’s basketball team. Known for replicating Terim’s iconic sideline gestures, Erdem has gone viral in Türkiye for her unique coaching style.
Selen Erdem is a well-known figure in Turkish basketball. At just 40 years old, she boasts an impressive résumé. She retired from playing basketball at 18 to pursue coaching and quickly rose through the ranks. She served as an assistant coach for Türkiye’s national team, participating in the 2016 Olympics, as well as multiple European and World Championships.
Erdem’s trademark is her impeccable sense of style. She is known for wearing suits and high heels during games. For Erdem, discipline is key:
“I’m a sweet, normal person in my private life. But on the court, discipline is the most important thing for success,” she stated in an interview, emphasizing her demanding yet effective coaching approach.
Passion for Professional Style
Erdem’s love for strict dressing comes from her mother:
“My mom was a teacher and wore a different suit every day. When I started coaching, I decided to wear heels on the court. From my first day, I’ve never worn flats—only heels, changing colors to match my team.”
Erdem has expressed her excitement about joining PAS Giannina, sharing her journey to Greece and her new team on Instagram.
The Official PAS Announcement:
“The PAS Giannina Women’s Basketball Department is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Turkish coach Selen Erdem.
Erdem, previously an assistant coach for the Turkish National Team, has participated in the Rio Olympics, one World Cup, and two European Championships from 2014 to 2019.
With extensive experience in Türkiye’s women’s basketball league—one of Europe’s top leagues—Erdem is ready to lead our team. She will arrive in Ioannina shortly to begin working with the players, aiming for a competitive season with clear goals.
