ISTANBUL (Türkiye) - It could prove a fruitful few weeks for Türkiye's leading lights Kennedy Burke and Sevgi Uzun, who are both chasing a ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 and precious silverware at club level.
Not that everything has been plain sailing for the pair.
In fact, what a difference 24 hours makes. Along with their teammates, they were left stunned on Gameday 2 of the Qualifying Tournament when the hosts were on the wrong end of a shock 59-55 loss to underdogs Argentina.
But with the pressure on against Japan, their class shone through and they delivered a devastating one-two punch to wrap up a critical 75-67 victory. For Burke, who has recently taken over the naturalized spot from Teaira McCowan, it was the kind of well-timed headline effort that showed exactly why faith has been put in her to take Türkiye forward on the global stage.
Her stellar near double-double of 25 points and 9 rebounds paced the much needed victory.
Meanwhile the leadership and composure of Uzun, which was the driving force behind her country making it into the competition via FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 when she was exceptional, was in evidence against Japan.
Those qualities came alongside a priceless 17-point haul to help Türkiye improve to 2-1 in what could still prove to be a complicated group with two games still to play.
If they do finish the job and take Türkiye to the World Cup this September, it won't only help them get back to the top table after missing Sydney 2022 - it could also make them a threat at the big show in the German capital too. When the action does wrap up in Istanbul on Tuesday night, they will re-focus on trophy hunts and take their respective club teams into huge Continental Finals.
Burke has already made history with CIMSA CBK Mersin. She produced a string of amazing performances to propel her side into their first ever EuroCup Women Finals.
The quality of her work was evidenced by being crowned the February-March MVP in the competition. As for Uzun, she will stay in situ to suit back up for Istanbul juggernauts Fenerbahce, who are chasing a third EuroLeague Women title.
Heading to Final Six in Zaragoza next month, they are now only two wins away from reaching that goal, after already confirming their spot in the Semi-Finals.
And, there is also the prospect of what would potentially be a truly monumental EuroLeague Women Final matchup against fierce city rivals, Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring. But for now at least, only one thing matters for Burke and Uzun is confirming that all-important booking for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin.
FIBA