Eliminated by France following an incredible match, Turkey has reason to regret. Turkish coach Ergin Ataman expressed his disappointment at a post-match press conference.
The outcome of a basketball game really depends on few things. A shot left en route, a lost ball, one foot on the line… All the reasons are good to rehash a defeat and rethink the smallest detail that might have changed the game. This feeling is currently in the minds of Turkish players. Largely dominated in the first half, they had found the resources to pick up the score and were even heading for victory. Only then, Cedi Osman will miss his shots, Tuncer will lose the ball in stride, France will equalize and finally win in overtime. An unexpected scenario for fans of cocorico but a real heartbreak for the Ottomans. Present at the post-match press conference, Ergin Ataman (Turkey coach) did not hide his disappointment following this defeat. Comments relayed by the media Eurohoops.
“I don’t know what to say, really. I am so angry. I am so sad. I can’t find any kind words. I am sorry. I don’t remember a game like this. Everyone is upset. First 2019 [défaite au finish contre Team USA au mondial, ndlr], now this. We have done the impossible once more. We lost in overtime when we were leading by 10 points.
It is true that following the third quarter, the momentum had clearly changed sides. The Turks had returned the score, they remained on a 19-0 inflicted on the French and they led by eight points at the start of the last act. A comeback scenario that would have elevated Ataman players to the rank of heroes in the country. Unfortunately, Cedi Osman will miss his shots and the dream victory will turn into a nightmare. Visibly marked, the Turkish coach also explained that he had never known such disillusionment…
“I don’t want to comment on the game. This is perhaps the worst defeat of my 26-year career. Congratulations to France, I hope they will continue their momentum and reach the medals. Basketball is a strange game. Sometimes it brings great happiness, and sometimes it is great pain. This is the most painful and hardest defeat of my career. We were very close to giving this victory to the Turkish people and we are all disappointed”.
Fair play, Vincent Collet had sent a nice word to his opponents of the day and the Turks will now have to plan for the future. This failure, it will leave traces of course but it will also be a big experience for the youngest. The future moreover, it is rather promising and it rests in the hands of Alperen Sengun, Cedi Osman or even Furkan Korkmaz. All of them already have important roles within the national team and none exceeds the age of 25. It is this beautiful generation which must lead Turkey in the next international competitions and, who knows, bring home a medal. Next step: qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.
Eliminated at the end of the suspense by France, Turkey risks waking up tomorrow with a hell of a hangover. A hard time to live for the players but an undoubtedly important learning for the young generation brought to take the lead in selection. We take the positive where we can…
Source texte : Eurohoops