By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Turkey is on a good pace to Qualify for the FIBA World CUP 2019 winning their first two games as the new players are getting the chance to put on the national team jersey.
The “12 Giant Men” first beat Latvia (85-73) at home and then Ukraine (67-60) on the road. And head coach Ufus Sarica couldn’t be anything else than absolutely satisfied the way the young players reacted to their new and bigger roles.
“Young players such as Tolga, who was with me before, really affected the game and helped us win,” Sarica said in an interview with FIBA. “That was really important for our future, to see young players like this stepping up.”
The veterans also contributed big and were pivotal in the road win over Ukraine. “(Goksenin) Koksal and Dogus (Balbay) performed really well on defense. Their energy helped spark the comeback in the first half.”
Turkish fans provided a spectacular support in the team’s game against the Latvians which took place in the city of Bursa.
“I want to thank the Bursa fans,” coach Ufuk Sarica said. “We played to a full house. Whenever we play to a full house, it’s always an energy booster in our home team.
“The Turkish national teams throughout history have always performed better to full houses so we’re grateful to the Bursa fans.”