Osman, Korkmaz back to fortify Turkey squad for third window

ISTANBUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Turkey's rising stars Cedi Osman and Furkan Korkmaz have been added to the country's squad ahead of crucial World Cup Qualifiers against Ukraine and Sweden.

Coach Ufuk Sarica also named naturalized guard Scott Jordan Wilbekin, who has played for Darussafaka in Turkey's top flight. 

Turkey 17-player squad for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers
Dogus Balbay	Ridvan Oncel	Sertac Sanli	Semih Erden
Kartal Ozmizrak	Scott Jordan Wilbekin	A. Bugrahan Tuncer	Melih Mahmutoglu
Huseyin Goksenin Koksal	Ege Arar	Ayberk Olmaz	Berk Ibrahim Ugurlu
Metin Turen	James Metecan Birsen	Baris Ermis	Cedi Osman
Furkan Korkmaz

Osman and Korkmaz, who just completed their rookie seasons in the NBA, arrived at their teams in North America following standout performances for Turkey in Istanbul last summer.

Osman averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3.8 assists in his fourth summer with the senior team. He then had an unforgettable first year in the NBA, making it to the Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Korkmaz, who at 20 is three years younger than Osman, averaged 10.5ppg at the EuroBasket, his third consecutive summer with the national team. He is a player with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Each is excited about playing in the third window in Ankara.

"I think that the hall will be full like the games we played in Istanbul (at EuroBasket 2017)," Osman said. "After all, we take our power from our supporters."

"Turkish players always play with more bravery in front of their own spectators," Korkmaz said. "I hope it will happen again. We'll create a very nice atmosphere together with the Ankara crowd."

Osman and Korkmaz thrived in coach Ufuk Sarica's up-tempo, high-pressure defense approach as Turkey advanced to the Round of 16 at the EuroBasket.

Sarica will be looking for big-time contributions from each as they go after after a spot in the Second Round and try to strengthen their bid for a spot in the 32-team World Cup in China.

Turkey (2-2) are second in Group B after Ukraine (3-1) and ahead Latvia (2-2) and Sweden (1-3).

They had a very talented side in the first two windows of the Qualifiers and most of those that played well are back, including Melih Mahmutoglu, Huseyin Koksal, James Birsen and Baris Ermis.

Mahmutoglu has led the team in scoring at 12.3ppg while Birsen has been the top rebounder at 6.0rpg. Veteran Ermis has been terrific at point guard and leads the team in assists at 5.7apg.

Turkey will host both Qualifiers in the third window in Ankara, the capital city.

The game against Ukraine at the Ankara Arena will be on June 28 and Sarica and Co will then face Sweden on July 1.

FIBA