TUR - Turkey aim to make case at EuroBasket

BORMIO (2010 FIBA World Championship/EuroBasket 2009) - As hosts of the 2010 FIBA World Championship, Turkey are alone in heading to EuroBasket 2009 without the pressure of trying to qualify for next year's event.

But that does not mean they will be taking things any easier as they bid to show just what they will be able to do on home soil.

"Turkey will host the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the EuroBasket is important in this sense," center Kerem Gonlum said.

"As hosts in the World Championship, we need to use the EuroBasket to send a message to the world."

Their chances of doing that are good, according to Toronto Raptors star Hedo Turkoglu, who emerged from a training camp in Bormio this week with glowing reports about the spirit in the camp.

"We're like brothers who like each other and can count on each other as a team," he said. "We have a community and we enjoy it together.

"There is an incredible atmosphere in the team and this atmosphere is reflected on and off the court. This can help us to succeed at the EuroBasket."

Those thoughts were echoed by Ender Arslan.

"The experienced players have come together with the young players and there has been really good cohesion," he said.

"To play together and fight together, we are a team, and this makes the job easier."

Turkoglu also believes he and his team-mates are approaching their optical physical conition.

"We've done intensive work in Bormio," he added. "We want to go to the EuroBasket in the best possible condition."

Turkoglu had another monster NBA season, averaging 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Orlando Magic, convincing the Raptors to make a move for him in a blockbuster four-team trade.

Now Turkoglu wants to carry that form over into Poland.

"I had a very good NBA season and I'm happy about that," he said. "Now there's a real excitement about the national team.

"My objective is to perform as well if not better for the national team. With my friends we will work together for success."

FIBA