As Turkiye prepares for its EuroBasket 2025 campaign in Riga, commencing with a match against host nation Latvia, head coach Ergin Ataman has shared an intriguing detail about his team’s dynamic. Ataman, known for his self-assured demeanor, disclosed the involvement of his 15-year-old son, Sarp, in the team's operational setup.
During a recent press briefing, Ataman clarified Sarp's unconventional position, stating, \"He’s not formally a coach due to his age, but he was with us throughout the entire preparation phase. He contributes to scouting and assists the team. He possesses a strong understanding of basketball, so he helps both me and the players. You could say he's a volunteer assistant coach.\" This unconventional inclusion of Sarp, a teenager contributing to strategic analysis and earning the esteem of professional athletes, introduces a distinctive personal element to Turkiye’s participation in the tournament. As his father succinctly put it, \"He helps me, he helps the players. He's part of the team.\" When playfully asked about Sarp potentially being recruited by other teams post-tournament, Ataman responded with a lighthearted, \"We'll see, perhaps.\"
Ataman also expressed confidence in the team's cohesion, remarking on the seamless integration of players from both NBA and EuroLeague backgrounds. \"It was quite simple for me,\" he commented on blending athletes with diverse experiences. \"I have over 25 years of experience coaching at the highest level in Europe. We had ample preparation time, about a month, and now the team chemistry is excellent. We encountered no difficulties. When you have players of this caliber on your roster, fostering chemistry becomes much easier.\" Looking ahead, Ataman acknowledged the difficulty of their opening game against Latvia but stressed its place within the larger scheme: \"Whether we win or lose the first game, it doesn’t alter our ultimate objective. The crucial part for us is to secure one of the top three positions in our group. That is our primary target for this initial phase.\" Veteran player Cedi Osman echoed his coach’s optimism, commending the team’s diligent preparation and focus. “I believe this is one of the finest tournaments ever,” Osman observed. “Every team has brought their strongest roster. Starting with Latvia will undoubtedly be a tough contest. However, I feel we’ve had a productive period of work for almost a month and a half. Everyone is prepared and highly concentrated.” He further added, “We are confident in our roster’s strength and believe we are prepared for this challenge. Our focus is on taking each game as it comes, and we will see how far we can advance.” Acknowledging the challenging group, which includes formidable opponents like Serbia, Osman admitted the path would be demanding: “Indeed, this is one of the toughest groups. You have the home team, Serbia, and obviously the Czech Republic, along with Estonia and Portugal, who are improving annually. But ultimately, we are here to triumph in every match.”
This heartwarming narrative of a father and son sharing a passion for basketball, even at the highest competitive levels, truly embodies the spirit of dedication and teamwork. It showcases that commitment and talent know no age, and that every individual, regardless of their official title, can contribute meaningfully to a collective goal. This story reminds us that collaboration, innovative thinking, and a positive mindset are fundamental ingredients for success, inspiring us to embrace unique contributions within any team endeavor.
