By Hamza Gökberk Yanitepe
Turgut Atakol U20 Tournament ended yesterday with the home-side Turkey clinching the champions berth. Lithuania got the second place and Serbia took the third place even though they beat Turkey in the last game of the tournament. It was respectively the top preparation tournament for the U20 European Championship and the competition level was pretty high, as lots of high profile prospect go at each other. We had time to talk with one of the highly ranked players from the 1997 generation, Martynas Varnas, for a little chat after the medal ceremony. We asked his opinion about the upcoming U20 European Championship in Helsinki.
How was the Turgut Atakol Tournament? You guys only lost to the eventual champions Turkey here.
It was a great tournament and a great preperation for the European Championships. I think everything went well here.
What are your expectations for this European Championship that will be held in Helsinki?
We have high expectations. We will play with all other great teams and we want a medal there, at least a medal. Our expectations are very high.
How about the atmosphere in the team? You've got a great team with a lot of prospects here.
The atmosphere is great. There are four or five players from my generation.which is great. We have 12 very good guys, the atmosphere is really good and it is our advantage.
You are fresh out of youth system, how is your transition period to the top level basketball going?
I'm not sure, I've got a great year and it helps me mentally preparing for the next step and I hope I am prepared.
Photo: Krepsinis.net
Turgut Atakol U20 Tournament ended yesterday with the home-side Turkey clinching the champions berth. Lithuania got the second place and Serbia took the third place even though they beat Turkey in the last game of the tournament. It was respectively the top preparation tournament for the U20 European Championship and the competition level was pretty high, as lots of high profile prospect go at each other. We had time to talk with one of the highly ranked players from the 1997 generation, Martynas Varnas, for a little chat after the medal ceremony. We asked his opinion about the upcoming U20 European Championship in Helsinki.
How was the Turgut Atakol Tournament? You guys only lost to the eventual champions Turkey here.
It was a great tournament and a great preperation for the European Championships. I think everything went well here.
What are your expectations for this European Championship that will be held in Helsinki?
We have high expectations. We will play with all other great teams and we want a medal there, at least a medal. Our expectations are very high.
How about the atmosphere in the team? You've got a great team with a lot of prospects here.
The atmosphere is great. There are four or five players from my generation.which is great. We have 12 very good guys, the atmosphere is really good and it is our advantage.
You are fresh out of youth system, how is your transition period to the top level basketball going?
I'm not sure, I've got a great year and it helps me mentally preparing for the next step and I hope I am prepared.
Photo: Krepsinis.net
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