Head Coach of Turkey’s National Basketball Team, Ergin Ataman, has announced Shane Larkin’s return to the team for EuroBasket 2025. Ataman, speaking on the Off The RECourt program, confirmed Larkin’s commitment, saying, “I know Shane wants to help Turkish basketball. Although he initially hesitated due to past issues, he was kind, and we understood each other well. Now, I believe Shane will be with us. I also trust that Scottie Wilbekin will be ready when needed.”
Previously, the Turkish Basketball Federation had removed Larkin and Wilbekin from the domestic player roster due to certain issues, with Ataman having indicated that the players had been unwilling to join the national team.
In an interview with Socrates, Ataman explained, “We announced the National Team about two weeks before the camp and notified all clubs. We included both Larkin and Wilbekin in the roster, aware that they might be hesitant due to injuries or fatigue. When the camp began, Larkin arrived in Istanbul, underwent an MRI, and it was found that he had a knee edema. While he received treatment, we planned to save him for the final stages of the tournament. But after the second MRI, Larkin disappeared, despite repeated attempts to contact him from our doctors, the federation, and myself to discuss a recovery plan.”
Larkin’s return, alongside the potential participation of Wilbekin, offers hope for a strengthened Turkish lineup for EuroBasket 2025.
