BORMIO (2010 FIBA World Championship) – The 2010 FIBA World Championship tips off in just under a month’s time and as a result of all the anticipation, the level of excitement in Turkey is increasing at an impressive rate. It’s almost too much for some to bear.

Kerem Gonlum might be one such person.

The Efes Pilsen star will make his long-awaited return to the basketball court after having served a one-year ban stemming from a positive doping test during the 2009 Turkish League final series.

He expects Turkey’s first game, against Ivory Coast on 28th August, to be very special for him.

“I will do my best during the championship,” he told NTV Spor. “I’m 32 now and I have played in many games.

“However, the first game of the tournament will be so special for me. There will be an excitement similar to my first professional game.”

Gonlum cannot wait to get back to competitive basketball and is excited at the thought of doing so on such a big stage.

“It’s a great chance and honour to be involved in this kind of tournament in my own country,” he added.

The 208cm centre expects the fact of playing at home with the fans cheering the team makes it possible to dream big.

“I will not be modest. We have so many young players in our team. They like me and feel respect for me. Hopefully everything will be okay. And I feel (we can get) a medal,” he offered.

And that does not sound like such an unrealistic prospect. After all, when they hosted EuroBasket in 2001, Turkey did make it all the way to the final and finish with a silver medal.

“The 12 Giant Men (a local slogan for the Turkish Basketball team) appeared out there (in Turkey). With our chemistry and experience, we are a good team. We want to finish the tournament with a medal.”

FIBA

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