EKATERINBURG (EuroLeague Women Final Four) - It was a dream start for Firat Okul in his first-ever EuroLeague Women outing, made even more special because of the faith he placed in a generation of Turkey rising stars he first worked with many years ago.

It may have been a EuroLeague Women Semi-Final against the defending champions, but that did not stop the recently installed Fenerbahce play-caller from throwing Pelin Bilgic and Ayse Cora into the action early against UMMC Ekaterinburg.

And, Bilgic in particular, delivered in a big way by helping Fenerbahce keep pace with their opponents by making an instant impact as she sunk two huge triples.

It was just one of the contributing factors towards a 70-61 victory and also a move that will have endeared Okul to Turkey senior head coach, Ekrem Memnun.

Sat courtside and tasked with ushering through the next tranche of players who can continue his country’s impressive rise in the past six years; the energy and confidence of Bilgic is an overwhelmingly positive omen for EuroBasket Women Final Round in June.

It is believed that one of the reasons Fenerbahce swooped for the services of Okul was for this very reason – to ensure the likes of Bilgic and Cora now spread their wings and become leaders for club and country.

The head coach himself was also quick to reveal his long-standing trust and rapport with the duo.

"Many years ago, they were players on my team at U16 level, with [Ayse] Cora and [Pelin] Bilgic from the same generation," declared Okul. "We always get really good motivation from them, but of course we don't push them too much as it is The Final Four. But, I believe in them and they helped us to win and did really good."

In fact, the first-ever appearance in a Turkey national team vest by Bilgic came during 2009 at the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship in Naples under the watchful eye of Okul. He guided the team to the inaugural FIBA U17 Women's World Championship and the affinity was sealed with his players when he memorably offered his apologies during a post-game interview on the final buzzer and insisted on breaking away to congratulate them.

Whether he does or doesn't manage to ultimately finish top of the podium in Ekaterinburg, first impressions suggest that Okul has plenty to offer and will never forget the Semi-Final and his rookie game in the competition.

He said: "UMMC are a special team and I made sure that we never talked about the individual names, but played team defense. I told my players that if you put heart onto the court, you can do anything -and the Final Four is only one or two games. This first win [in EuroLeague Women] is really good for me and it's a big chance, since I am still a young coach."

Now Okul is only 40 minutes away from being an instant legend and writing himself into Fenerbahce folklore as he tries to lead the juggernauts to an historic first-ever title when they match-up with Dynamo Kursk in Sunday's Final.

FIBA