Arslan, a solid guard with Tau Ceramica in Spain’s ACB, enjoyed some of his finest moments as a basketball player last summer at the FIBA World Championship and he’s so upbeat about that side, he’s desperate to put on the Turkish jersey again.That national team, under Bogdan Tanjevic but without NBA players Mehmet Okur and Hedo Türkoğlu, surpassed expectations by finishing second in Group C to Greece and then reached the quarterfinals.
“I really hope I will be included in the national team for the EuroBasket in Spain,” Arslan told PA Sport. “I always want to play for the national team.”
Arslan was a member of Turkey’s outstanding backcourt, and he truly made his mark by coming up with a game-winning free throws against Lithuania in Hamamatsu on opening day and then burying a three pointer in the final seconds to force overtime against the Lithuanians in the classification round. Turkey would go on to win that game and finish sixth in the tournament.
“The World Championship was a great experience for us,” Arslan said. We played really good games and we got very good results. Now we want to build on that, and we want to go to the EuroBasket and get a medal, that is our goal.”
One reason why last year was such a positive experience was that EuroBasket 2005 in Serbia had been so bad. Turkey was one of the biggest disappointments with only an overtime victory against Bulgaria to show for their tournament. They lost to Lithuania, Croatia and Germany.
Turkey will be hoping to reach the podium, as they did in 2001 when they hosted the EuroBasket and captured a silver medal. “It’s true we have a young side but we already gained experienced in Japan,” said Arslan. “We know that we have to do and I think we will not disappoint our country.”
Turkey begin their EuroBasket adventure in Palma de Mallorca on Sept. 3 and will have to finish in the top three of a Group C which also includes the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Germany.
“The EuroBasket is a tough competition,” said Arslan. “We know that, you face really good teams right from the start. We know we will always have to play with high concentration knowing that each game is going to be a battle. But I think one of the characteristics of this national team is that we all give our hearts out on the court and I think this will really help us overcome obstacles.”
Tanjevic, not surprisingly, will be a key. He guided Italy to the EuroBasket 1999 title. “Tanjevic is a very good teacher and he is always available to sit down with his players and have a chat,” said Arslan. “He will help you in any way he can. It is a real privilege to have him as national coach and I think many of our achievements in Japan were down to him.”
Arslan is also hoping to make the most of his experience with Tau Ceramica, who are contending for honors in Spain and the Euroleague.
He joined Tau earlier this year from Slovenian giants Union Olimpija and he is enjoying playing time alongside national team-mates Kaya Peker and Serkan Erdoğan. “I only arrived two months ago at Tau and I have played good games,” he said.
“I am very happy how things are going for me. I think I must take advantage of this opportunity, to play with great players, in a very competitive league. I have adapted really well and that is thanks to my Turkish compatriots at the club who have really helped me,” he concluded.
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