By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
Omer Yurtseven spoke to reporters ahead of the EuroLeague Final Four in Athens, returning to familiar surroundings at OAKA just months after leaving Panathinaikos during the season.
After departing Panathinaikos, Yurtseven spent time in the G League before earning short-term opportunities with the Golden State Warriors, appearing in nine NBA games. He then joined Real Madrid shortly before the Final Four due to injuries in the frontcourt, although he is not eligible to play in the EuroLeague because the registration deadline had already passed.
Yurtseven admitted it is frustrating not being able to help Real Madrid on the court this weekend, but stressed that he still wants to support the team in every possible way.
“Sadly, no. I missed the deadline and that’s very unfortunate. But at the same time, I’m here to represent Madrid to the best of my ability and support the guys. I think we have the potential to win everything, so I’m just here to encourage them. It’s going to take everyone — even my energy from the sidelines.”
Although unable to contribute on the floor, Yurtseven jokingly offered advice to his new teammates about playing on the OAKA court.
“They’ve got to be careful because it can get a little more slippery compared to a wooden floor. But they already know everything they have to know. It’s just about going out there and doing it.”
Yurtseven briefly addressed his departure from Panathinaikos earlier this season.
“I pretty much got an email from Panathinaikos detailing everything, then I talked with my agent and that was really it.”
The Turkish center also reflected on Panathinaikos’ dramatic playoff collapse after taking a 2-0 lead against Valencia Basket.
“That series was crazy. Nobody could’ve seen them going up 2-0 on the road and then losing three straight. It was one of the craziest series I’ve seen.”
Yurtseven made it clear that he still feels a strong emotional connection with his former teammates in Athens.
“I still love all my teammates there, 100 percent. It’s unfortunate they didn’t make it, but at the same time, this is basketball. These are the crazy moments everybody wants to see. It’s just unfortunate that Panathinaikos was on the wrong side of it.”
Returning to OAKA wearing Real Madrid colors created mixed emotions for the former Panathinaikos big man.
“It’s crazy even walking in through the front door because everything feels so familiar, but at the same time it’s different because I’m representing another team now. It’s a weird feeling.”
He added that the entire experience still feels surreal given how unexpectedly his season changed direction.
“I didn’t expect this year to go this way at all, but everything came full circle. As soon as I stepped in here, it all felt familiar, but different at the same time. You miss it because you spent so much time here.”
Rather than dwelling on the situation, the Turkish center focused on the positives that followed, including his NBA stint with Golden State.
“Whatever happened, I just kept rolling with it. I went to the G League and tried to work my way back up — and I did. I got the chance to learn from one of the greatest coaches and play with one of the best players on the planet, Steph Curry. That was really special.”
The former NBA player also spoke about what he learned during his short time with the Warriors, mentioning both Draymond Green and Steve Kerr.
“As soon as I got there, I realized how much I could learn from guys like Draymond and from Steve Kerr. They build really good habits there, and I learned from those habits too.”