By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Anadolu Efes has officially bid farewell to Shane Larkin on Tuesday, cementing the end of a legendary eight-year era that transformed European basketball and the EuroLeague.
The American-born naturalized Turkish point guard confirmed his departure a day before the club released an emotional tribute, thanking the icon for turning distant dreams into reality.
Larkin is now set to join crosstown rival Fenerbahce Beko, a blockbuster move that marks a massive roster overhaul in Istanbul.
2018’de aramıza katıldığında, bu yolculuğun bizi nereye götüreceğini bilmiyorduk. Ama daha ilk günden, buraya sadece basketbol oynamaya gelmediğin, hayatlarımızda çok daha fazla yere sahip olacağın belliydi.
Birlikte hayal kurduk ve sonra bu hayaller gerçeğe dönüştü. İki… pic.twitter.com/jQv6CT6pnp
— Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) June 30, 2026
Before taking his talents to Turkiye, the explosive playmaker starred for Miami in the NCAA, earning the 2013 ACC Player of the Year. Selected 18th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, that same summer, he spent four seasons developing his elite speed across stints with the Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics.
However, his true destiny unfolded overseas. Joining Efes in 2018, Larkin spearheaded a modern dynasty, guiding the team to back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crowns in 2021 and 2022. His tenure was defined by staggering milestones, including a 49-point explosion that was the competition’s single-game scoring record until Nigel Hayes-Davis put up 50 in 2024. Beyond continental glory, he secured three Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi trophies. A naturalized Turkish citizen, he became a national team cornerstone, recently securing a silver medal at the EuroBasket 2025.
Though a nagging groin injury limited his final 2025–26 campaign, his impact on Efes remains monumental. In their final statement, the Istanbul outfit praised the departing superstar as an exemplary role model for children and a history-making athlete who will always hold a special place in their hearts as Sugar Shane.
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