By Michalis Gioulenoglou/ info@eurohoops.net
Riga, Latvia – Making good on a gift of a Rolex is the task for Alperen Sengun, following a brilliant offensive and defensive delivery by Ercan Osmani in the Semifinals of EuroBasket 2025.
In Xiaomi Arena on Friday, Turkiye strolled past Greece to advance to the gold-medal game.
Defending the Freak is certainly a challenge, either in the NBA or FIBA tournaments, but the 27-year-old forward/center slowed him down in the first quarter and was effective the rest of the way, with help from his teammates to create impossible traps on the superstar of Greece. He also scored 14 points over the first ten minutes, en route to a total of 28 points, a new personal best at the international level.
“I promised him a Rolex if he plays well,” revealed Sengun following the game, “I will get the best for him.”
Joining head coach Ergin Ataman in the postgame press conference, the experienced big of Anadolu Efes shared his reactions to a huge win against Greece, besides earning more praise from the 59-year-old tactician.
“I want to thank the coaches for preparing us very well for this game,” he said, “I’m happy that I contributed very well to this team. Everybody did.”
“I also want to thank our doctors for preparing Cedi [Osman] very well for this game. That was crucial for us,” he added on the 30-year-old forward being cleared from an ankle injury.
In Sunday’s Final, Turkiye will face off with fellow undefeated side Germany.