By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
RIGA – Following a brilliant start to EuroBasket 2025, the selector of the senior national team of Turkiye, Ergin Ataman, talked about a convincing win against Group A host Latvia.
“I think when you play on the road, the beginning is very important. So, we started the game very well with great defense, we moved the ball, inside and outside, and we took control of the game. Only in the last part of the second quarter, we had some unnecessary turnovers. The beginning of the second half was important as well. We did not let them find easy shots,” said the 59-year-old coach.
“I think we played perfect basketball,” added Ataman during the postgame press conference, “A very important win for us. I think we showed all of Europe that we are one of the best teams in this tournament.”
Up 1-0 in a five-game round-robin schedule with a win over the hosts, the second challenge features a clash with Czechia in Xiaomi Arena on Friday.
“Before the game, I saw that everybody thought Latvia was the favorite. But I told my players that we are a strong team and we showed this on the court. Now, it is important to continue with the same kind of basketball for the remaining games,” he continued.
After paving the way with 13 points in the first half, Kenan Sipahi finished with 19 points behind 5/5 three-pointers, 1/1 two-pointers, and 2/2 free throws.
“We share the ball. Everybody plays for the team. We know who are our offensive and defensive leaders, and everything. It is just one game. We will try to do our best in upcoming games,” said the 30-year-old guard.
Hoping to bounce back, Latvia hosts fellow Baltic country, Estonia, on Friday.
“It’s not the way we were expecting to start the tournament,” confessed head coach Luca Banchi, “It’s a way to set the tone of this tournament, where we have a very tough group with incredible teams.”
Photo Credit: FIBA