For Greece, it’s the first major semi-final in 16 years since EuroBasket 2009, when Spanoulis led the team to bronze. Turkey last celebrated a medal at the 2010 FIBA World Cup, losing to the USA in the final. The stakes are high for both sides.

Ataman vs Greece
Turkey is led by Ergin Ataman, a coach with vast knowledge of Greek and European basketball, having won the EuroLeague four times and coached Panathinaikos for two seasons. Ataman faces players he knows well, including Sloukas, Mitoglou, Samondurov, and Kalaitzakis. Turkey is undefeated so far (7-0), with a key win over Serbia opening the path to a medal.

Ataman commented that facing Greece was “his destiny” and criticized referees regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s free throws, claiming Giannis commits offensive fouls that go uncalled.

The Turkish Machine

• Alperen Sengun: Team leader, dominant under the basket, elevates the team, averaging 21.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 7.1 assists in EuroBasket. Recorded 36 points vs Serbia and a triple-double vs Poland.
• Cedi Osman: 30-year-old forward, sharpshooter, excels in fast breaks; ankle injury may sideline him for the semi-final.
• Shane Larkin: Experienced guard, top scorer, two-time EuroLeague winner with Ataman, averages 11 points and 5 assists per game.
• Key role players: Ercan Osmani (defensive and offensive contributions, 10.4 PPG), Furkan Korkmaz (3-point specialist, provides scoring solutions).

Turkey is one of Europe’s most talented teams, and the Sengun-Giannis matchup is the game’s centerpiece.