By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The entire European basketball community is deeply mourning the loss of Serhat Gunes, the highly regarded athletic performance coach for EuroLeague powerhouse Anadolu Efes. Gunes tragically passed away at the young age of 40 following a sudden, severe medical emergency that occurred in mid-May. After enduring a prolonged, courageous battle in intensive care, his passing was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday morning, prompting widespread, emotional tributes from across the continent.
Before establishing his stellar reputation as a conditioning specialist, Gunes dedicated 15 years to the sport as a competitive professional player. This extensive background on the court provided him with a unique, firsthand perspective regarding the immense physical demands placed on modern athletes. Desiring to merge his vast practical experience with rigorous academic expertise, he pursued formal studies in sports science, successfully graduating from the prestigious Hacettepe University’s Faculty of Sport Sciences.
His transition bore fruit quickly as he rapidly became a sought-after strength and conditioning expert within Turkish basketball. Throughout his journey, Gunes served various clubs, including Besiktas and Turk Telekom, before joining the senior squad’s technical staff at Efes.
12 Mayıs 2026 Salı günü ani bir sağlık sorunu yaşayan ve uzun süredir yoğun bakımda yaşam mücadelesi veren Atletik Performans Antrenörümüz Serhat Güneş’in vefatının derin üzüntüsünü yaşıyoruz.
Çalışma arkadaşımıza Allah’tan rahmet, kederli ailesine de başsağlığı ve sabır… pic.twitter.com/Ax7VsEfTWT
— Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) June 10, 2026
The tragic news of his passing has resonated deeply throughout the sport. The Istanbul-based outfit expressed profound grief over losing a cherished colleague, while rival clubs across the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi and the EuroLeague joined in a powerful display of solidarity to extend their heartfelt condolences.
His remarkable legacy and gentle spirit will definitely be remembered by players and fans forever.
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