TUR/ESP – Avid-reader Ilyasova right at home in Barcelona

BARCELONA (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Ersan Ilyasova  is one very big reason why Turkey are hopeful of capturing a medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

One of the leading talents in the ACB at Barcelona, Ilyasova is coming off a productive summer in which he averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds to help Turkey go undefeated in their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign.

Ilyasova, 21, spent a couple of seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks before signing a big contract with Barcelona before the 2007-08 campaign.

He has played so well in Europe that there is speculation he will return to the Bucks or sign for another team after this season.

Ilyasova has plenty to keep his mind occupied.

What does he do when he’s not on the hardwood?

"I read books in different languages," he says. "I speak Turkish, English and Russian so I try to read books in different languages."

The ACB’s official website had this interview with Ilyasova.

Question: What do you do in your spare time?

Ilyasova: I spend my free time playing with my daughter. It's incredible. She takes up all my free time.

Question: What car do you drive?

Ilyasova: I took my driving license in the United States. I have a BMW, but it’s a rented car.

Question: When did you start to play basketball?

Ilyasova: I started playing at seven because my parents were also players and they convinced me to try it. I liked it and continued playing and by the age of 14, it became more professional. It's not easy to play that seriously at that age but I have a good memory of that time because I really had to make an effort. In order to be a basketball player, you have to train every day and improve. There's no other secret.

Question: How hard is it to be a professional sportsman?

Ilyasova: It's hard because you have to make a huge effort and spend many hours working or travelling. Even in the summer, you have no days off because you are with your national team. It's not easy but it's what I like doing and it's entertaining.

Question: Is your wife a basketball fan?

Ilyasova: She is now. When I first met her, she didn't even know the game. Now she knows everything!

Question: What's your favorite destination?

Ilyasova: Two years ago I went on holiday to the Caribbean. I would love to go back to rest and not think about anything.

FIBA