PHILADELPHIA (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - The chance to compete in a major international tournament on home soil is something Ersan Ilyasova will never forget.

He did just that for Turkey at the 2010 FIBA Basketball World Cup and got a charge from the crowds in Ankara and Istanbul each and every time he ran onto the court. Ilyasova is going to have another opportunity to play in his homeland next year with Turkey, one of the host nations for the tournament

Turkey, Finland, Israel and Romania will all be the venues for the Group Phase while the Final Phase will be staged in Istanbul.

"This kind of thing is always good for Turkish basketball," Ilyasova said to FIBA.com. "The World Cup in 2010 was unbelievable. Having the opportunity to play in front of your home crowd and going to the Final is an amazing feeling.

"For us, playing in front of our fans at home is very important. That gives us extra motivation. It's not only great for Turkish basketball; we are all looking forward to it."

Turkey were like a runaway train in that tournament, beating team after team on their way to the Semi-Finals. Once there, the Bogdan Tanjevic-coached side needed overtime but knocked off Serbia. The United States then proved too good in the title game with Kevin Durant leading the Americans to victory, yet Turkey's players were hailed as heroes after a fantastic run.

"For us, when we play at home, we play our best basketball. We have the support from the whole country; that is always an advantage." - Ilyasova

Ilyasova, now 29, played at his second Basketball World Cup in 2010 and had an impressive showing, averaging 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. In one of the best games of his international career against Greece in the Group Phase, Ilyasova poured in 26 points. He made all six of his attempts from three-point range in that game.

Another player in that Turkey team, Hedo Turkoglu, was so good in the tournament that he earned a spot on the All-Star Five. Turkoglu recently ran unopposed and was elected as president of the Turkish Basketball Federation.

"I think he is bringing a lot of good things to the federation," Ilyasova said. "He knows Turkish basketball very well, he has been part of Turkish basketball programmes for a long time, he played for the national team for his whole career.

"He has a lot of experience and he is going to bring good ideas to the table. This job fits him very well."

It remains to be seen how Turkey will measure up against other teams at FIBA EuroBasket. Ilyasova was with the squad when it reached the Round of 16 at EuroBasket 2015 under coach Ergin Ataman but lost to France.

Ilyasova had some big moments in that tournament on both ends of the floor.

He was not with the national team this summer, however, when it fell to the French, 75-63, in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Manila.

"Lately, when you look at the last EuroBasket, every team plays at its highest level," he said. "Obviously, there is going to be a lot of very good teams participating. But for us, playing at home will be a great thing, it is very important.

"We can do a very good job if everybody comes healthy. The federation is still looking for a coach, lot of pieces have to be put in place but we want to have a chance to have a successful tournament."

For now, Ilyasova is concentrating on the NBA season. He was traded from Oklahoma City after just three games to Philadelphia and is bringing much needed experience to a Sixers team that is talented but very young.

Once the season is over, he'll be able to turn his full attention to the national side. No matter who coaches Turkey, and no matter which players turn out for the team, there is going to be a huge buzz that should benefit the side known as the Twelve Giant Men.

"For us, when we play at home, we play our best basketball," Ilyasova said. "We have the support from the whole country; that is always an advantage.

"Next summer is going to be crucial: we need a good head coach, stay healthy and we will have a good chance to have a great tournament. This is going to be an exciting one."

FIBA