24.11.2025 22:40
The Turkish National Men's Basketball Team and Panathinaikos AKTOR Head Coach Ergin Ataman reacted strongly to the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying system. In his statement, Ataman said, "You are a EuroBasket finalist, but there is no guarantee that you will qualify for the World Cup because you will now be playing with a different roster. If FIBA insists on continuing with this program, it will be ridiculous."
The Turkish National Men's Basketball Team and Panathinaikos AKTOR Head Coach Ergin Ataman reacted strongly to the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying system. Speaking before his team's match against Partizan in the Basketball EuroLeague tomorrow, Ataman stated that it is an interesting practice for Turkey to have to play qualifying matches despite reaching the finals in the 2025 European Championship (EuroBasket).
''IF THEY INSIST, IT WILL BE ABSURD''
Ataman emphasized that FIBA's application is strange, saying, "You are EuroBasket finalists, but it is not guaranteed that you will qualify for the World Cup because you will be playing with a different roster. Moreover, I will not have the same players during this period. It's like gambling. If FIBA insists on continuing with this program, it will be absurd."
''SHOULD FACE SECOND-RATE TEAMS''
The 59-year-old head coach, who also wished success to the Greek National Basketball Team in the tournament, stated, "EuroBasket champions and finalists should face second-rate teams for World Cup spots."