By Can Pelister

Leyla Caliskan is one of the best youth basketball coaches I have ever seen. Leyla Caliskan, who is former coach of talents like Hedo Turkoglu, Kerem Tunceri and more, is also first coach of Furkan Korkmaz ('97). "I started to playing basketball with coach Leyla. It's huge advantage for me. I will never forget what she brought to me." Korkmaz said. 

"My idol is Kevin Durant. Also I like Bojan Bogdanovic from Fenerbahce Ulker too. He has great offensive talents." Korkmaz told Eurohopes asked about his idol.

Despite being listed almost at 6-6 he played as a point-guard with Turkish U16 national team at Turk Telekom Tournament. "Actually I don't like to playing as a point-guard. But I know I have lot of responsibility at national team and what role is given to me I will try to do at my best" Furkan said to Eurohopes when asked about playing as a point-guard. He averaged 13.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in Sakarya. But he had nearly 4 turnovers per game. He is not playing as a point-guard at Anadolu Efes though. Maybe we can say Turkey U16 staff looking at him as a potential replacement for Okben Ulubay ('96). They are giving nearly same role and same responsibilities to Furkan. We will see how it works at Europen Championship U16 this summer of course.

With his athletic skills and of course with long arms, he can finish the fast-breaks and possesions with dunk. He reads the game very well and Furkan is also great pick&roll ball handler. You have to defend Furkan very closely because he has great shooting skills too. He has reliable shooting mechanic I think. Weaknesses: Physical attribitues and . He has to be more strenghten and needs to work at weigh room a lot.  Furkan is extremely versatile offensive player. If he improves his physical weaknesses, he will be more complete player. I can say he is the most skilled Turkish player born in 1997.

Photo: Turkish Basketball Federation