In the recent qualifying round, the Turkish national basketball team maintained a perfect record, securing victories in all six of its matches. Conversely, the Lithuanian squad entered the new group stage with a record of three wins and three losses, which has reportedly diminished their prospects for securing a spot in the 2027 championship. Speaking after inspecting the stadium in Istanbul, Lithuanian coach Rimas Kurtinaitis offered commentary on the Turkish side.
When asked about the Turkish team, Kurtinaitis noted that while the squad is somewhat diminished due to the absence of Alperenas Šangunas, the overall quality remains high. He stated that many players are performing at an elite level, citing Turkey’s recent game against Croatia as evidence of their strong play. Kurtinaitis also offered praise for the Turkish coaching staff.
He suggested that Erginas Atamanas, the Turkish coach, is among the best strategists in Europe. When questioned about any noticeable differences between the top contenders, Kurtinaitis emphasized the current status of the Turkish team. He noted that while they are formidable, their current composition is not as complete as it once was.
Despite this, the Lithuanian strategist acknowledged that being the favorite in any contest can be advantageous. The assessment provided by Kurtinaitis painted a picture of a highly capable, though slightly altered, Turkish squad facing stiff competition.
Topics: #not #team #kurtinaitis
