Memnun takes charge of Turkey's women

ISTANBUL (EuroLeague Women/EuroBasket Women 2015) - Reigning EuroLeague Women champion coach Ekrem Memnun has been appointed as head coach of Turkey's women's national team.

The play-caller was unveiled as the successor to Ceyhun Yildizoglu at a press conference held in Galatasaray odeabank's home at the Abdi Ipekci Arena.

The new head coach certainly has big shoes to fill in replacing Yildizoglu, who took the team to a first-ever EuroBasket Women Final in 2011, a historic maiden Olympic appearance at London 2012, a Third-Place finish at EuroBasket Women 2013 and a run to the Semi Finals of the FIBA World Championship for Women on their debut at the event last year.

"We have a very successful national team," acknowledged Memnun after he was formally handed the reins.

Our task is to do even better and demonstrate that this success is sustainable. - Memnun

"This is the start of a new period in my life."

Currently in his second spell with Galatasaray having also been in the box-seat between 1996 and 2002, Memnun must firstly focus on trying to maintain his club's prospects of successfully defending their EuroLeague Women title before he can concentrate fully on his new national team role.

His first task with Turkey will be to oversee their EuroBasket Women 2015 campaign in Hungary and Romania which is also a potential gateway to the Rio Olympics next year.

Director of Sport Barbaros Akkas, who introduced Memnun to the assembled media confirming the target will be making to another Olympics.

She said: "Our senior women's national team has drawn the world's attention with its successes in recent years.

"I wish Ekrem Memnun success.

"The goal for both of our national teams this summer is to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games."

Turkey have been pitched into Group B in Oradea for the first phase of EuroBasket Women, along with Belarus, Greece, Italy and Poland.

FIBA