By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Fenerbahce executive spoke about the Olympiacos matchup, summer plans and the futures of Talen Horton-Tucker, Tarik Biberovic and Sarunas Jasikevicius
Fenerbahce Beko Basketball Branch Director Cem Ciritçi spoke to Sports Digitale ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four in Athens, discussing the upcoming semifinal against Olympiacos, transfer plans for next season, and the future of several key figures within the club.
Ciritçi made it clear that the reigning EuroLeague champions are fully focused on defending the title.
“Of course our expectation is to win. We want to win both games and become champions. At this point, we can’t have any other goal anyway. We are very focused, the players and coaching staff are very focused, and our fans are very focused as well. Everyone’s only focus is Friday’s game against Olympiacos. This team is used to playing at this level. When you look at the roster, almost all of them were in last year’s final. We expect another good result this season too.”
The Fenerbahce executive also touched on the club’s transfer strategy, explaining that negotiations are already underway, although the Final Four remains the absolute priority.
“Fenerbahce has reached the Final Four eight times in the last 11 years. Transfers are always organized through advanced negotiations and within a certain program. Of course we’ve had some talks, but everything will become clear after the Final Four. I don’t want to go name by name, but our fans can feel comfortable about next season. The work continues, but our priority right now is the Final Four.”
Still, Ciritçi confirmed that both Talen Horton-Tucker and Tarik Biberovic are expected to stay with the club.
“Talen Horton-Tucker loved it here. He will continue with us next season as well. Right now, there is nothing concrete from the NBA. There may have been interest in Tarik, but he is our player and he will continue to stay with us.”
Ciritçi also praised head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius after recently extending his contract with the Turkish powerhouse.
“The coach is very important and very valuable for us. We can say he is the best coach in Europe. What he has brought to the team and the synergy he has with the group are at the highest level. We never considered another option. Our idea was always to continue with him. There were no issues regarding the contract extension, and we signed it at the first opportunity. He is very happy here.”
Finally, he revealed that Fenerbahce expects thousands of supporters in Athens for the Final Four weekend.
“Olympiacos fans will have 8,000 tickets. We expect around 4,000 to 4,500 Fenerbahce fans. We are supporting our fan groups in terms of travel and organization,” Ciritçi said with a smile.