By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nando de Colo has formally concluded an illustrious career, cementing his legacy as an icon. The 38-year-old French playmaker completed a remarkable two-decade professional odyssey on Friday, helping Fenerbahce Beko capture the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi title.
Though battling a lingering illness, the seasoned veteran contributed nine minutes on the court, dishing out three assists alongside a steal during the championship victory over Besiktas Gain inside Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Dome. The elite ball-handler, who previously competed in 125 NBA fixtures and lifted two Turkish Airlines EuroLeague trophies, continuously elevated team success above individual accolades until the definitive buzzer. This final campaign presented immense physical hurdles, as successive health setbacks prevented him from reaching his usual peak form.
“Fenerbahce is very special to me. I’m very happy to finish my career at this club as a champion,” he told beIN Sports Turkiye during the postgame television broadcast, reflecting on the emotional final moments of his career and lifting the BSL trophy. “Today was my last day as a basketball player. However, basketball never ends for me. One story ends, another begins.”
“Nando De Colo is one of the most important players in European basketball,” added head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius. “After the Final Four, he contracted a virus, lost five kilos, and couldn’t perform at his best. Nevertheless, we wanted to give him the farewell he deserved. He already had a magnificent career when he arrived here, and he wrote its final chapter here. We are very happy to have been a part of his journey.”
BSL Playoffs 2026
Quarterfinals (best-of-three)
Fenerbahce Beko – Safiport Erokspor 2-0 (94-72, 96-73)
Besiktas Gain – Galatasaray MCT Technic 2-1 (108-83, 75-78, 71-68)
Bahcesehir Koleji – Trabzonspor 2-0 (91-65, 94-78)
Anadolu Efes – Turk Telekom 2-0 (86-75, 77-70)
Semifinals (best-of-five)
Fenerbahce Beko – Anadolu Efes 3-1 (61-60, 73-72, 93-102, 102-93)
Besiktas Gain – Bahcesehir Koleji 3-2 (82-79, 79-101, 95-98, 73-71, 80-71)
Finals (best-of-five)
Fenerbahce Beko – Besiktas Gain 3-1 (80-88, 93-68, 82-71, 77-75)
Following a taxing cycle marked by frequent roster overhauls and disrupted team chemistry, de Colo is deliberately distancing himself from the relentless athletic grind. Unlike many retiring players who immediately accept scouting assignments or management positions, the former international star desires total detachment. He intends to move his family to Spain shortly, seeking a tranquil environment away from intense media scrutiny. However, this competitive pause seems temporary, since the decorated guard has admitted that an eventual transition into coaching is practically predetermined.
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