TUR – Savaş has high hopes for Turkey

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Turkish national team centre Oğuz Savaş is aware that as hosts for this summer’s FIBA World Championship, Turkey will be expected to deliver a great sporting success.

The 22-year-old averaged 8.4 points and 4.4 rebounds as an important member of Turkish League champions Fenerbahçe Ülker’s frontline rotation.

As a member of Turkey’s 15-man squad, he has high hopes but knows some tough challenges lay ahead, beginning in Ankara, where they will go up against China, Greece, Ivory Coast, Puerto Rico and Russia.

“I believe we have a pretty good chance in the group stages,” said Savaş. “I see Russia and Greece as our main opponents. There won’t be any problems if we beat the other teams.

“If we remain patient, we can finish the championship in a good position.”

Savaş also pointed out to the absence of fellow big man Mehmet Okur as a big blow.

While the void may result in increased playing time for the seven-footer, he did not take solace in that fact.

“Of course we miss him. I don’t need to say how great a player he is. I’m very sad for him. It’s unfortunate what happened to him. He would be a very important part of the team.”

FIBA