Turkey secured the first semifinal spot at EuroBasket 2025 with a 91–77 win against Poland. A visibly satisfied Ergin Ataman did not hide his desire to face Greece on the way to the final.

The Turkish coach praised Alperen Sengun for his historic triple-double and highlighted the team’s overall performance:
“We had more depth than Poland, responded to their aggressiveness on defense, and found points in transition. Our bench gave us a boost in the second half, and we are making the most of Sengun’s passing talent.”

Ataman also spoke about his special connection to Greek basketball and Panathinaikos:
“Greece is the best team based on its roster. Nobody wants to face them. But I have feelings for Greece; I hope they win so I can experience a historic semifinal with seven Panathinaikos players on the same court.”

He also provided an update on Cedi Osman, who is dealing with an ankle issue, but expressed optimism that he will be ready for the semifinal.

Full statements from Ergin Ataman:

“We are very happy. But I think you journalists will be happy because Alperen had a triple-double tonight. He made history. We had more depth than Poland, responded to their aggressiveness on defense.

We put Hazer on Lloyd, their top scorer, and it worked. Offensively, we found points in transition, through defense, so we controlled the game. Our bench pushed us in the second half, with experience and scoring. We maintained control despite our mistakes and Sengun’s mistakes when he made the triple-double. Right now, he is one of the best playmakers in the NBA. We use his passing talent, and so far it’s paying off.

Now we will play a historic semifinal. Turkey has played in only one final. We’ll wait to see our opponent. We’ll see if we face my own players.

Osman has an ankle problem. He wanted to play, but I saw it was risky. The positive is that we have three days until the semifinal. I know him; he’ll be 100% on the court.

Honestly, I want to say that I have an excellent relationship with Greek basketball. Greece has five of my players; I also know the others from Olympiacos, Giannis. Greece is the best team based on its roster. Nobody wants to face them. I have feelings for Greece; I hope they win tonight, and fate will allow me to see seven Panathinaikos players in that game.”