Turkey's Osman excited to learn and get to watch great players

BARCELONA (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Cedi Osman came into the FIBA Basketball World Cup with an enormous reputation after winning the MVP award at the 2014 FIBA Europe U20 Championship.

Some saw coach Ergin Attaman's call to the 19-year-old as an approval of the promise he has shown, while others questioned if the call-up to the senior side came too early.

The Anadolu Enefes Istanbul player, however, is unperturbed by all this and soaking in all the experience.

FIBA.com spoke to him moments ahead of Turkey's Round of 16 clash against Australia on Sunday.

FIBA.com: Talk about your first experience at the FIBA Basketball World Cup?
Osman: It's really an amazing feeling. I'm really excited to be playing here. I don't have words to describe how excited I am. Playing with these guys is like a dream come true. Some of them play in the NBA, some in top clubs in Europe. Playing next to these players is really exciting.

FIBA.com: What is the most exciting moment for you at the FIBA Basketball World Cup so far?
Osman: First of all, coming here has been exciting enough. And secondly, playing against the USA. I was lucky to get a lot of minutes in that game. It was a great learning experience to play against such a team. It was also a lesson playing along with another set of great players, against a high level opposition. So overall, the game against the USA has been my best experience so far.

FIBA.com: Have you had any disappointments?
Osman: No. None at all. Playing in the FIBA Basketball World Cup is a great opportunity for me to prove my abilities. At the same time it's a great stage to play against, alongside and watch some of the greatest players in basketball. I have a lot to learn and I am learning.

FIBA.com: Can you point to one single most important thing that you have learnt?
Osman: Everything. Very difficult for me to pick any one particular moment. Every minute has been a new lesson for me.

FIBA