By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Besiktas general manager Nedim Yucel has outlined the club’s ambition to establish itself as a permanent and competitive EuroLeague organization following its rapid rise under Dusan Alimpijevic.
Speaking to Besiktas Magazine, Yucel discussed the transformation of the basketball department, Alimpijevic’s contract extension through the 2027-28 season, plans for the upcoming EuroLeague campaign and the potential launch of NBA Europe.
Besiktas reached the Turkish League semifinals in the first season of the current project before advancing to the Turkish Cup final in each of the following two campaigns. Last season, the Black and Whites competed in the finals of the Turkish League, Turkish Cup and EuroCup.
“When I first took over, my biggest goal was to rebuild our basketball department, which had fallen apart at the time, and bring the old Akatlar spirit back to life. At the same time, one of our biggest short-term dreams was to represent the Besiktas badge in the EuroLeague again,” Yucel said.
After receiving a one-year EuroLeague wild card, Besiktas is now focused on proving that it can remain at the highest level beyond a single season.
“Our biggest goal now is to give our fans, who support us under all circumstances, the trophy or trophies they deserve. At the same time, we want to make Besiktas Basketball a permanent and competitive club that aims for the top every season, not only in Turkiye but also in the EuroLeague. For us, true success is not reaching the top once, but remaining at that level for many years,” Yucel explained.
He stressed that securing a long-term place in the competition will depend on more than results, highlighting financial sustainability, professional operations, sponsorships and fan engagement.
“Being admitted to the EuroLeague for one year is, of course, an important opportunity, but it also brings great responsibility. We know that remaining there permanently will not depend only on the results we achieve on the court. Our goal is to show that we are a club that brings value to the EuroLeague in every respect. We do not view this as a one-season invitation, but as the beginning of a permanent structure that will allow Besiktas Basketball to compete at the highest level in Europe for many years,” he added.
Continuity with Alimpijevic
Alimpijevic’s ability to improve the team season after season was one of the main reasons Besiktas extended his contract through 2028.
“When we renewed Dusan’s contract, one of the most important criteria was that the team had progressed every season since the day he arrived. This steady progress was the clearest indication that we were on the right path. His work ethic, emphasis on player development and ability to create a competitive team identity also align with the club’s vision,” Yucel said.
Yucel, who has worked with Alimpijevic for nearly seven seasons, also emphasized the trust and clear division of responsibilities between the two.
“We are like a family now. We respect each other’s areas of responsibility and can openly share different opinions. We manage the team structure and player selection through a shared decision-making process, always putting the team’s success first,” he said.
Building for the EuroLeague
Besiktas has competed successfully against clubs with larger budgets, and Yucel intends to maintain the same approach while adapting the roster to the demands of the EuroLeague.
“What matters to us is not assembling an expensive roster, but creating a cohesive team made up of the right players. We try to use our budget efficiently and select players who fit the club’s objectives, playing philosophy and character. We do not evaluate a player solely on his individual ability; we also look closely at his character,” he explained.
Rotation depth and physical durability will become particularly important because of the EuroLeague’s demanding schedule.
“The most important difference is not only the quality of the players, but also the intensity of the season, the game schedule and the level of competition. In the EuroLeague, you now play two high-level games in most weeks,” Yucel noted.
Cooperation between NBA Europe and EuroLeague
Yucel also welcomed the NBA’s plans for a new European competition but argued that cooperation with the EuroLeague would be the best way forward.
“The NBA Europe project is a very important and exciting development for European basketball. The NBA is one of the most powerful sports organizations in the world. However, the EuroLeague already has an established and strong structure, and almost every club competing in it has a long-term agreement. If the NBA’s objective is to create a permanent and successful organization in Europe, I believe it would be much more appropriate to do so in cooperation with the EuroLeague,” he concluded.
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