By Hamza Gökberk Yenitepe
The Turkish U18 Championship held in Izmir enjoyed some of the best performances ever as Omer Faruk Yurtseven (’98) destroyed the stat sheets with his 91 point showing in the last day of the tournament, it was also full of surprises and heart-breaking losses. Pınar Karşıyaka, the host, eventually win in the final game against Pertevniyal Gençlik but would have been outside the tournament if they could not beat Turk Telekom in their third group game. Now let’s look at the teams and their top performers.
Pınar Karşıyaka
The champions was not everyone’s favorites but they played calm and collected in every vital game. Görkem Doğan (’98) was simply a beast around the rim. With a 6’10 body, U18 NT player is an amazing rebounder. Still a bit raw finisher and does not have polished post game but his rebounding instincts and positioning makes him a good potential. Also a very nice roll man after the P&R, became the MVP of the tournament with his overall performance. He still needs to improve his free throw percentage (32.2% on FT). The point guard of the team Arca Tülüoğlu (’97) played like a true court general the whole tournament. Very confident ball handler, drove inside every time he got the opportunity and collapsed defenses for easy points. Even though he has a tiny body, never shies away from contact in both ways. He was their go-to guy the whole tournament. Another Turkish U18 NT player Berk Kar (’98) did not have the best shooting performance of himself, but was still active on defensive side. His strong improved body and ability to stay in front of most players in the tournament made him a valuable asset for the champions.
Görkem Doğan: 12.3 points (51.6% on 2pt, 32.2% on FT), 14.8 rebounds in 25:10 minutes.
Arca Tülüoğlu: 14 points (41% on 2pt, 27.2% on 3pt), 3.16 rebounds, 6.83 assists in 35:39 minutes.
Berk Kar: 13.1 points (46.2% on 2pt, 20.5% on 3pt), 4.5 rebounds, 1.83 assists in 29:11 minutes.
Pertevniyal Gençlik
Istanbul champions cruised in every game until the final and then they fall to Karşıyaka. Anadolu Efes farm team has pretty good potential on a large and loaded roster, Cavit Ege Havsa (’97) was leading the team in every way. Also a regular TBL player this season, Ege scored and assisted whenever he wanted. He does not have immense power loaded on his body but still he finds an open way to the rim. His 3 point percentage was a bit low compared to his average in this tournament but his court vision and passing skills were well above the competition. Muhaymin Mustafa’s (’99) physical presence locked down many of the primary scoring options of the opposing sides. With a great body length and wingspan (still growing!), he made his presence felt whenever he was in the game. Offensively has more confidence while shooting threes but the problem is his inconsistency and concentration. Despite of this, he was still one of the most efficient players in the tournament. Burak Nurkan (’98) improved his game a lot this season, a great role player that never forces the occasion. Always tries to help his team in the most suitable way. Very good shooter off the dribble, had most of his points from the midrange. Yiğitcan Saybir (’99) is an intriguing prospect with good height, plays both forward positions. A lefty that can shoot even from beyond the arc. His development should be closely watched.
Cavit Ege Havsa: 16.8 points (70% on 2pt, %25.7% on 3pt), 6.66 rebounds, 7 assists, 2.83 steals, 2TO in 30:09 minutes.
Muhaymin Mustafa: 16.5 points (60% on 2pt, 41.9% on 3pt), 4.33 rebounds, 1.33 assists, 1.83 steals, 2.16 TO in 21:24 minutes.
Burak Nurkan: 12.8 points (52.6% on 2pt, on 36.6% on 3pt), 3.5 rebounds, 1 assists in 27:10 minutes.
Yiğitcan Saybir: 8.5 points (50% on 2pt, 36.3% on 3pt), 4.66 rebounds, 1.16 rebounds in 22:15 minutes.
Bandırma Kırmızı
Banvit farm team had great potential of professional players in their team, most of them playing in TBL so called Bandırma Kırmızı just like Pertevniyal Gençlik players. Ragıp Berke Atar (’99) showed amazing progress in this season in all aspects of his game. His body looks stronger, 6’11 body with a frame that will be bulked up better in the upcoming years, he can finish through contact, developed a good midrange game with fluid mechanics. Overall, he turned himself into an all-around offensive threat, he will probably be a vital part of the U17 Turkish NT for the World Championship. Erxhan Osmani (’98) had his first tournament with Bandırma Kırmızı, amazed the spectators with his incredible mobility for a 6’10 power forward. He is too quick on passing the court, created match-up problems through the whole tournament. In addition to his mobility, he is also a great rebounder and athlete but needs to be a better finisher. Erkin Şenel (’99) has great scoring potential, showed off glimpses of what he can do on offensive end. Very good ball handler, can pass the defenders with low crossovers and he can create his own shot with nice footwork. His three point rate was a little low this tournament but overall shooting potential is high because of his very nice mechanics and shooting decisions.
Ragıp Berke Atar: 17.5 points (60% on 2pt, 58.6% on FT), 8.16 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Erxhan Osmani: 12.3 points (47.3% on 2pt, 51.5% on FT), 12.1 rebounds in 29:33 minutes.
Erkin Şenel: 11.3 points (58% on 2pt, 30.3% on 3pt), 2.83 rebounds, 2.83 assists in 25:52 minutes.
Darüşşafaka Doğuş
Darüşşafaka Doğuş had the third place in Istanbul U18 League and had a great run until falling to eventual champions Karşıyaka. Ömercan Engin (’98) was the top scorer in a physically loaded roster. Even he was not too efficient with the ball in his hands, he had scored some vital points in crunch time especially against Tofaş in quarter-final drama. Loves to play one-on-one but sometimes forces his shot too much. Really good scorer with a nice size, can find a role in pro-level basketball. He also drew lots of foul which shows his aggressiveness and eagerness. Yesukan Onar (’98) is a versatile forward that always plays for his team with a great attitude and basketball IQ. 6’9 forward developed a very nice mid-range game and has several ways to score the ball with his penetrations. Good rebounder, especially effective on offensive boards. His body still needs to bulk up to be effective on contact. Sinan Sağlam (’98) is an intriguing prospect with his impressive wingspan and athleticism. He did not give consistent scoring punch to his team but presents amazing defensive potential overall. His shooting rates should be higher and also should use the ball more often.
Ömercan Engin: 14.3 points (42.3% on 2pt, 33% on 3pt, 72% on FT), 5.33 rebounds, 1.66 assists, 1.66 TO in 30:14 minutes.
Yesukan Onar: 11.8 points (50% on 2pt, 20% on 3pt), 9 rebounds, 2.16 assists in 24:56 minutes.
Sinan Sağlam: 7.8 points (51.8% on 2pt, 33.3% on 3pt), 6.6 rebounds, 3 assists in 26:18 minutes.
TOFAŞ
5th placed Tofaş had ups and downs the whole tournament, still the fifth place was a foreseeable achievement. Berkan Durmaz (’97) only played 3 games but he was the leader of the team. Berkan saw playing time with Tofaş in TBL late in the season, improved himself in every possible way. He did not played in the first day of the tournament but then dominated in his first game. All around wing, developed a more aggressive attitude lately, tries to use every opportunity that comes to his hands. Very good shooter, scored with various ways. Two 1999 born player Cağatay Afşar and Burak Türsen showed off their skills this tournament. Cağatay was a great presence down low, grabbed many rebounds and finished most of the time with soft touches. Needs to play a little harder, his body is open to any development. Türsen is an interesting prospect with nice size and athleticism combined with very good shooting touch. Türsen can also create and is not selfish with the ball. Consistency is his problem right now, possesses very nice potential right now. Mert Konuk (’00) saw a mass amount of playing time at a young age, good shooter but not does not play the point position. He is good at knocking down open shots and creating them. Although he is too young, he had the chance to play in bigger tournaments already a several times and he will not likely play in Turkish U16 Championships this year.
Berkan Durmaz: 14.6 points (48.2% on 2pt, 40% on 3pt), 7.66 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals in 24:13 minutes.
Cağatay Afşar: 15.6 points (58.3% on 2pt, 72.7% on FT), 9 rebounds, 2.33 assists in 25:03 minutes.
Burak Türsen: 12 points (54.8% on 2pt, 26.4% on 3pt), 4.33 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steals in 29:07 minutes.
Mert Konuk: 5.33 points (40% on 2pt, 28.5% on 3pt), 5.16 rebounds, 1.83 assists in 19:22 minutes.
BEŞİKTAŞ
Runner up of the Istanbul U18 League Beşiktaş had very low shooting percentages the whole tournament and was far away from their best in crucial games. Beşiktaş’s sole leader Ömer Utku Al (’98) did his thing passing the ball as always but his field goal percentages are off the mark. His basketball IQ is unmatched, however his frame still seems tiny and it is still a question mark how good he will perform in the pro ball. One underrated aspect of Ömer Utku Al’s game is that he is a pretty smart defender, stole the ball 9 times in his first game in the tournament. His backcourt counterpart Deniz Kuran (’98) is a relentless player that moves very well with the basket and a very nice penetrator. He opened up space every time he got the ball but a lack of low-post threat for Beşiktaş presented a problem for the Black Eagles. His motor and intensity is one of the reason that helps Beşiktaş come this far. Bekir Sabri Karlı (’97) was the strech 4 of the team, but he also had poor rates from beyond the 3pt range. Karlı has a nice shooting touch and a good rebounder but could have been more efficient on offense.
Ömer Utku Al: 13.3 points (41.4% on 2pt, 27% on 3pt), 5.5 rebounds, 5.83 assists, 3.66 steals in 34:38 minutes.
Deniz Kuran: 10.6 points (54.5% on 2pt, 13.3% on 3pt), 3.66 rebounds, 1.33 assists, 2.33 steals in 27:30 minutes.
Bekir Sabri Karlı: 10.8 points (41.8% on 2pt, 18.1% on 3pt), 7.33 rebounds, 1 assists in 26:56 minutes.
FENERBAHÇE
Fenerbahçe beat Karşıyaka in their first game of the tournament but lost to Bandırma Kırmızı on quarter finals and then finished on 7th place, which is a little below the expectations. Ömer Faruk Yurtseven (’98) simply dominated the tournament with his all-around game. He scored most of his points with midrange shots in the first 3 games, put up amazing numbers without even breaking a sweat. He developed his shooting this season dramatically and now he is a solid threat whenever the defender leaves a little room to shoot. His rebounding and passing skills are also on a different level, he dominated every time he got the ball in his hands. Ahmet Can Duran (’99) lost a lot of weight this season and seems well fit now. Does not force his way inside with body power now but with his basketball IQ. He plays much better when he has another big who operates in low post. Another improvement of him is 3pt percentages. He is much more confident when shooting and knocked down some important shots in vital moments. He is becoming a much mobile playmaker power forward.
Ömer Faruk Yurtseven: 34.5 points (64.4% on 2pt, 22.5% on 3pt, 57.6% on FT), 18.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.83 blocks in 34:48 minutes.
Ahmet Can Duran: 10.6 points (45.4% on 2pt, 50% on 3pt), 8.66 rebounds, 4.16 assists in 30:41 minutes.
9 EYLÜL BASKETBOL IHTISAS
9 Eylül has capacity to upset bigger teams every time they come to Turkish Championships. In this tournament an important part of the team Tanalp Şengün (’98) was injured so the burden left on the shoulders of Hakan Şanlı (’97) and Necabeddin Sivri (’98). Şanlı is a scoring forward that helps in rebounds as well in a short lineup team, scored with high rates in the last days of the tournament. Sivri is a natural scorer, always plays aggressive and penetrates most often.
Hakan Şanlı: 18.5 points (50.8% on 2pt, 43.4% on 3pt), 9.5 rebounds, 2 steals in 35:28 minutes.
Necabeddin Sivri: 22.1 points (46.1% on 2pt, 38.8% on 3pt), 7.16 rebounds in 38:27 minutes.
The Awards
Top Scorer: Ömer Faruk Yurtseven / Fenerbahçe
Top Rebounder: Ömer Faruk Yurtseven / Fenerbahçe
Top Assister: Ozan Çelikoğlu / Bornova Belediye
Best Guard: Cavit Ege Havsa / Pertveniyal Gençlik
Best Forward: Muhaymin Mustafa / Pertevniyal Gençlik
Best Center: Ömer Faruk Yurtseven / Fenerbahçe
MVP: Görkem Doğan / Pınar Karşıyaka
Photo: kskbasketbol.net
The Turkish U18 Championship held in Izmir enjoyed some of the best performances ever as Omer Faruk Yurtseven (’98) destroyed the stat sheets with his 91 point showing in the last day of the tournament, it was also full of surprises and heart-breaking losses. Pınar Karşıyaka, the host, eventually win in the final game against Pertevniyal Gençlik but would have been outside the tournament if they could not beat Turk Telekom in their third group game. Now let’s look at the teams and their top performers.
Pınar Karşıyaka
The champions was not everyone’s favorites but they played calm and collected in every vital game. Görkem Doğan (’98) was simply a beast around the rim. With a 6’10 body, U18 NT player is an amazing rebounder. Still a bit raw finisher and does not have polished post game but his rebounding instincts and positioning makes him a good potential. Also a very nice roll man after the P&R, became the MVP of the tournament with his overall performance. He still needs to improve his free throw percentage (32.2% on FT). The point guard of the team Arca Tülüoğlu (’97) played like a true court general the whole tournament. Very confident ball handler, drove inside every time he got the opportunity and collapsed defenses for easy points. Even though he has a tiny body, never shies away from contact in both ways. He was their go-to guy the whole tournament. Another Turkish U18 NT player Berk Kar (’98) did not have the best shooting performance of himself, but was still active on defensive side. His strong improved body and ability to stay in front of most players in the tournament made him a valuable asset for the champions.
Görkem Doğan: 12.3 points (51.6% on 2pt, 32.2% on FT), 14.8 rebounds in 25:10 minutes.
Arca Tülüoğlu: 14 points (41% on 2pt, 27.2% on 3pt), 3.16 rebounds, 6.83 assists in 35:39 minutes.
Berk Kar: 13.1 points (46.2% on 2pt, 20.5% on 3pt), 4.5 rebounds, 1.83 assists in 29:11 minutes.
Pertevniyal Gençlik
Istanbul champions cruised in every game until the final and then they fall to Karşıyaka. Anadolu Efes farm team has pretty good potential on a large and loaded roster, Cavit Ege Havsa (’97) was leading the team in every way. Also a regular TBL player this season, Ege scored and assisted whenever he wanted. He does not have immense power loaded on his body but still he finds an open way to the rim. His 3 point percentage was a bit low compared to his average in this tournament but his court vision and passing skills were well above the competition. Muhaymin Mustafa’s (’99) physical presence locked down many of the primary scoring options of the opposing sides. With a great body length and wingspan (still growing!), he made his presence felt whenever he was in the game. Offensively has more confidence while shooting threes but the problem is his inconsistency and concentration. Despite of this, he was still one of the most efficient players in the tournament. Burak Nurkan (’98) improved his game a lot this season, a great role player that never forces the occasion. Always tries to help his team in the most suitable way. Very good shooter off the dribble, had most of his points from the midrange. Yiğitcan Saybir (’99) is an intriguing prospect with good height, plays both forward positions. A lefty that can shoot even from beyond the arc. His development should be closely watched.
Cavit Ege Havsa: 16.8 points (70% on 2pt, %25.7% on 3pt), 6.66 rebounds, 7 assists, 2.83 steals, 2TO in 30:09 minutes.
Muhaymin Mustafa: 16.5 points (60% on 2pt, 41.9% on 3pt), 4.33 rebounds, 1.33 assists, 1.83 steals, 2.16 TO in 21:24 minutes.
Burak Nurkan: 12.8 points (52.6% on 2pt, on 36.6% on 3pt), 3.5 rebounds, 1 assists in 27:10 minutes.
Yiğitcan Saybir: 8.5 points (50% on 2pt, 36.3% on 3pt), 4.66 rebounds, 1.16 rebounds in 22:15 minutes.
Bandırma Kırmızı
Banvit farm team had great potential of professional players in their team, most of them playing in TBL so called Bandırma Kırmızı just like Pertevniyal Gençlik players. Ragıp Berke Atar (’99) showed amazing progress in this season in all aspects of his game. His body looks stronger, 6’11 body with a frame that will be bulked up better in the upcoming years, he can finish through contact, developed a good midrange game with fluid mechanics. Overall, he turned himself into an all-around offensive threat, he will probably be a vital part of the U17 Turkish NT for the World Championship. Erxhan Osmani (’98) had his first tournament with Bandırma Kırmızı, amazed the spectators with his incredible mobility for a 6’10 power forward. He is too quick on passing the court, created match-up problems through the whole tournament. In addition to his mobility, he is also a great rebounder and athlete but needs to be a better finisher. Erkin Şenel (’99) has great scoring potential, showed off glimpses of what he can do on offensive end. Very good ball handler, can pass the defenders with low crossovers and he can create his own shot with nice footwork. His three point rate was a little low this tournament but overall shooting potential is high because of his very nice mechanics and shooting decisions.
Ragıp Berke Atar: 17.5 points (60% on 2pt, 58.6% on FT), 8.16 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Erxhan Osmani: 12.3 points (47.3% on 2pt, 51.5% on FT), 12.1 rebounds in 29:33 minutes.
Erkin Şenel: 11.3 points (58% on 2pt, 30.3% on 3pt), 2.83 rebounds, 2.83 assists in 25:52 minutes.
Darüşşafaka Doğuş
Darüşşafaka Doğuş had the third place in Istanbul U18 League and had a great run until falling to eventual champions Karşıyaka. Ömercan Engin (’98) was the top scorer in a physically loaded roster. Even he was not too efficient with the ball in his hands, he had scored some vital points in crunch time especially against Tofaş in quarter-final drama. Loves to play one-on-one but sometimes forces his shot too much. Really good scorer with a nice size, can find a role in pro-level basketball. He also drew lots of foul which shows his aggressiveness and eagerness. Yesukan Onar (’98) is a versatile forward that always plays for his team with a great attitude and basketball IQ. 6’9 forward developed a very nice mid-range game and has several ways to score the ball with his penetrations. Good rebounder, especially effective on offensive boards. His body still needs to bulk up to be effective on contact. Sinan Sağlam (’98) is an intriguing prospect with his impressive wingspan and athleticism. He did not give consistent scoring punch to his team but presents amazing defensive potential overall. His shooting rates should be higher and also should use the ball more often.
Ömercan Engin: 14.3 points (42.3% on 2pt, 33% on 3pt, 72% on FT), 5.33 rebounds, 1.66 assists, 1.66 TO in 30:14 minutes.
Yesukan Onar: 11.8 points (50% on 2pt, 20% on 3pt), 9 rebounds, 2.16 assists in 24:56 minutes.
Sinan Sağlam: 7.8 points (51.8% on 2pt, 33.3% on 3pt), 6.6 rebounds, 3 assists in 26:18 minutes.
TOFAŞ
5th placed Tofaş had ups and downs the whole tournament, still the fifth place was a foreseeable achievement. Berkan Durmaz (’97) only played 3 games but he was the leader of the team. Berkan saw playing time with Tofaş in TBL late in the season, improved himself in every possible way. He did not played in the first day of the tournament but then dominated in his first game. All around wing, developed a more aggressive attitude lately, tries to use every opportunity that comes to his hands. Very good shooter, scored with various ways. Two 1999 born player Cağatay Afşar and Burak Türsen showed off their skills this tournament. Cağatay was a great presence down low, grabbed many rebounds and finished most of the time with soft touches. Needs to play a little harder, his body is open to any development. Türsen is an interesting prospect with nice size and athleticism combined with very good shooting touch. Türsen can also create and is not selfish with the ball. Consistency is his problem right now, possesses very nice potential right now. Mert Konuk (’00) saw a mass amount of playing time at a young age, good shooter but not does not play the point position. He is good at knocking down open shots and creating them. Although he is too young, he had the chance to play in bigger tournaments already a several times and he will not likely play in Turkish U16 Championships this year.
Berkan Durmaz: 14.6 points (48.2% on 2pt, 40% on 3pt), 7.66 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals in 24:13 minutes.
Cağatay Afşar: 15.6 points (58.3% on 2pt, 72.7% on FT), 9 rebounds, 2.33 assists in 25:03 minutes.
Burak Türsen: 12 points (54.8% on 2pt, 26.4% on 3pt), 4.33 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steals in 29:07 minutes.
Mert Konuk: 5.33 points (40% on 2pt, 28.5% on 3pt), 5.16 rebounds, 1.83 assists in 19:22 minutes.
BEŞİKTAŞ
Runner up of the Istanbul U18 League Beşiktaş had very low shooting percentages the whole tournament and was far away from their best in crucial games. Beşiktaş’s sole leader Ömer Utku Al (’98) did his thing passing the ball as always but his field goal percentages are off the mark. His basketball IQ is unmatched, however his frame still seems tiny and it is still a question mark how good he will perform in the pro ball. One underrated aspect of Ömer Utku Al’s game is that he is a pretty smart defender, stole the ball 9 times in his first game in the tournament. His backcourt counterpart Deniz Kuran (’98) is a relentless player that moves very well with the basket and a very nice penetrator. He opened up space every time he got the ball but a lack of low-post threat for Beşiktaş presented a problem for the Black Eagles. His motor and intensity is one of the reason that helps Beşiktaş come this far. Bekir Sabri Karlı (’97) was the strech 4 of the team, but he also had poor rates from beyond the 3pt range. Karlı has a nice shooting touch and a good rebounder but could have been more efficient on offense.
Ömer Utku Al: 13.3 points (41.4% on 2pt, 27% on 3pt), 5.5 rebounds, 5.83 assists, 3.66 steals in 34:38 minutes.
Deniz Kuran: 10.6 points (54.5% on 2pt, 13.3% on 3pt), 3.66 rebounds, 1.33 assists, 2.33 steals in 27:30 minutes.
Bekir Sabri Karlı: 10.8 points (41.8% on 2pt, 18.1% on 3pt), 7.33 rebounds, 1 assists in 26:56 minutes.
FENERBAHÇE
Fenerbahçe beat Karşıyaka in their first game of the tournament but lost to Bandırma Kırmızı on quarter finals and then finished on 7th place, which is a little below the expectations. Ömer Faruk Yurtseven (’98) simply dominated the tournament with his all-around game. He scored most of his points with midrange shots in the first 3 games, put up amazing numbers without even breaking a sweat. He developed his shooting this season dramatically and now he is a solid threat whenever the defender leaves a little room to shoot. His rebounding and passing skills are also on a different level, he dominated every time he got the ball in his hands. Ahmet Can Duran (’99) lost a lot of weight this season and seems well fit now. Does not force his way inside with body power now but with his basketball IQ. He plays much better when he has another big who operates in low post. Another improvement of him is 3pt percentages. He is much more confident when shooting and knocked down some important shots in vital moments. He is becoming a much mobile playmaker power forward.
Ömer Faruk Yurtseven: 34.5 points (64.4% on 2pt, 22.5% on 3pt, 57.6% on FT), 18.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.83 blocks in 34:48 minutes.
Ahmet Can Duran: 10.6 points (45.4% on 2pt, 50% on 3pt), 8.66 rebounds, 4.16 assists in 30:41 minutes.
9 EYLÜL BASKETBOL IHTISAS
9 Eylül has capacity to upset bigger teams every time they come to Turkish Championships. In this tournament an important part of the team Tanalp Şengün (’98) was injured so the burden left on the shoulders of Hakan Şanlı (’97) and Necabeddin Sivri (’98). Şanlı is a scoring forward that helps in rebounds as well in a short lineup team, scored with high rates in the last days of the tournament. Sivri is a natural scorer, always plays aggressive and penetrates most often.
Hakan Şanlı: 18.5 points (50.8% on 2pt, 43.4% on 3pt), 9.5 rebounds, 2 steals in 35:28 minutes.
Necabeddin Sivri: 22.1 points (46.1% on 2pt, 38.8% on 3pt), 7.16 rebounds in 38:27 minutes.
The Awards
Top Scorer: Ömer Faruk Yurtseven / Fenerbahçe
Top Rebounder: Ömer Faruk Yurtseven / Fenerbahçe
Top Assister: Ozan Çelikoğlu / Bornova Belediye
Best Guard: Cavit Ege Havsa / Pertveniyal Gençlik
Best Forward: Muhaymin Mustafa / Pertevniyal Gençlik
Best Center: Ömer Faruk Yurtseven / Fenerbahçe
MVP: Görkem Doğan / Pınar Karşıyaka
Photo: kskbasketbol.net
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