Cora hails positivity of Parker ahead of Final Four
ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women) – Turkey national team guard Ayse Cora is adamant Candace Parker could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Fenerbahce in their search for a maiden EuroLeague Women title.
The juggernauts are penciled in to play reigning champions UMMC Ekaterinburg in the second of this year's Semi-Finals and Cora has taken the time to praise the club's newest recruit, who arrived in time for the recent Quarter-Finals.
She said: "After Candace joined us, we became a much better team as she really has positive energy and a lot of confidence.
"For me, it's very good to be both practicing and playing with this kind of team-mate who is not only a good player, but also a good person too."
And while Fenerbahce endured a major wobble in the second game of their series against Perfumerias Avenida, they managed to seal the deal in the decider – with Cora playing a nice cameo by injecting some intensity into the contest at a key time.
"While we didn't play our best game in Salamanca, their fans were amazing and Avenida were playing much better at home - it certainly wasn't an easy series for us," said the Istanbul native.
"As for my own contributions, I always try to do my best for the team, no matter what.
"I just focus on my own game and try to bring some energy to the floor."
The last time Cora played in the Final Four she ended up with a winner’s medal at Galatasaray – ironically, when the tournament was last held in the Ekaterinburg and in a Final against Fenerbahce. So, it isn't a surprise she's eager to take a title with her new side.
"I am excited that it's going to be my first Final Four with Fenerbahce and I am happy that we made it in my first year," stated Cora.
"I hope we are going to win EuroLeague Women and even if Ekaterinburg are a really good team and have great players, I believe in my own team and we can beat anyone if we play our game."
Cora knows all about the fine margins at the elite level. She was on the Turkey national team roster last year when she made an Olympic debut for her country and had to endure the heartache of a buzzer-beating defeat to Spain in the Quarter-Finals.
"Generally, Rio was not bad for us and although we lost against Spain with that last second shot, I always try to learn something from a defeat or a win," mused the 24-year-old.
"I learned so many things from all of my experiences in Rio."
Cora will be keen to establish herself back in the Turkey team for this year’s FIBA EuroBasket Women Final Round and even if Turkey have lost some veteran players, she is confident they can continue to punch above their weight.
"Now we have a younger team, this means even more energy.
"And, if we play our game, then I think we are capable of doing anything."
FIBA
