TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu Announces Goals for the New Term

Expressing his gratitude to the basketball community, TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu shared his vision for the upcoming term.

Hidayet Türkoğlu, President of the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF), thanked the community for electing him to serve another term as president and stated that they would continue to work together with the clubs, aiming to take Turkish basketball to even greater heights with the same discipline and cooperation.

Answering questions from Anadolu Agency at the Basketball Development Center, Türkoğlu expressed his gratitude to the delegates who re-elected him as president for the third time at the General Assembly, saying, “For the past eight years, we have consistently set goals to elevate basketball to higher levels. We have achieved some of these goals, while there are areas where we have yet to reach our targets. However, everyone has seen that we are sincere in our efforts to improve basketball. That’s why I want to thank them again.”

Referring to the meetings held with clubs before the General Assembly, Türkoğlu said, “Hopefully, we will continue to work with the clubs in the same disciplined manner to further develop Turkish basketball in the upcoming period.”

“The Basketball Development Center will also contribute economically to basketball”

Türkoğlu mentioned the significant efforts made since the start of his presidency to realize the Basketball Development Center project, adding, “Considering its economic benefits, this facility will significantly contribute to Turkish basketball.”

Thanking President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the ministers who supported the project from the beginning, Türkoğlu said, “Our national teams will now be gathered under one roof here. Anadolu Efes and Galatasaray will use the main arena, which has a capacity of 10,000 seats. Throughout the year, our national teams will come together through scheduled programs.”

He added that three separate training courts, each with a capacity of 500 seats, would support youth development, and he believes that the long-term impact of this on Turkish basketball will become more evident in the coming years.

“Our leagues are always among the best in Europe”

TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu emphasized the recent successes achieved by both men’s and women’s clubs, saying, “Our leagues have always been among the best in Europe. I want to congratulate our clubs for the successes they have achieved through proper planning and investments. I believe that the same excitement will continue in the Türkiye Sigorta Basketball Super League and the ING Women’s Basketball Super League this season.”

Reminding that 16 clubs from both men’s and women’s leagues will compete in European tournaments this season, Türkoğlu stated, “Our clubs always aim for the finals with their investments and solid roster planning. I believe we will see similar successes in this journey, as their achievements on the European stage also demonstrate the value of our leagues. I wish them success in this process.”

“Our team always includes valuable people from basketball”

Türkoğlu emphasized that the TBF’s new management team consists of highly valuable individuals in their fields, adding, “I believe they will contribute greatly to Turkish basketball during this period.”

He elaborated on their goal to improve basketball over the next four years in terms of sports, infrastructure, education, and management, stating, “Our team has always included valuable individuals from the basketball community. Gülşah Akkaya and Bahar Çağlar Ökten are very important to us; they will assist us in management roles. You know, Nilay Kartaltepe and Esra Erden Atacan are also part of our professional team. Hüseyin Beşok is both my vice-president and a member of FIBA’s board. Kerem Tunçeri previously served as the manager of the national teams. Harun is a well-known and loved figure in our community who will share his knowledge and experience in management. We have a very valuable team, and I believe that everyone, with their own skills, knowledge, and experience, will bring great value to basketball.”

“Our national team roster has deepened”

Hidayet Türkoğlu noted that the transfer of players like Furkan Korkmaz, Ömer Faruk Yurtseven, and Cedi Osman from the NBA to European teams would be highly beneficial for the national team, saying, “With these players coming to Europe, our national team roster has become deeper. They are all high-quality players. As our players gain more playing time and experience in our domestic league, our roster will become even stronger.”

Referring to the upcoming window games for the national teams next month, Türkoğlu stated, “Our primary goal is to complete the windows flawlessly and earn a spot in the European Championship with good basketball. Following that, our focus will be on preparing the team throughout the summer, aiming to perform well in the European Championship and achieve success there. As we achieve these successes, I believe that our objectives should gradually shift towards qualifying for the Olympics.”