TUR – Turkey assistant coach calls for step-by-step approach

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Turkish national team assistant coach Nihat Iziç believes his players will be able to deliver the success a whole nation is eager for just as long as they do not look too far ahead of them at this summer's FIBA World Championship.

Iziç points to 2001, when Turkey hosted EuroBasket and finished with a surprising silver medal, as the point of reference.

"Of course everyone expects a success like 2001 and we want to successfully finish this campaign which began back in 2004," he said.

"We are aware that it will be a very hard task because we will be playing against the best teams in the world. At least 10 of them have the same goal as us."

That is exactly why he calls for caution, warning that casting one's eyes on the ultimate prize instead of the obstacle that is just ahead could result in disappointment.

"We have to think and go step by step. First, we need to be successful in (Group C in) Ankara and get the best position. But we also have to consider the possible match-ups and avoid facing teams like the USA and Spain in the early rounds," Iziç warned.

"Of course, there are other factors. We have to be lucky, avoid injuries and be able to rely on our full team until the end. But I really believe that if we prepare well and with the help of our supporters we can achieve great success."

While the losses to injuries of Mehmet Okur and Kerem Tunçeri are regrettable, Iziç insists there is no point on thinking about them.

"Those injuries have upset us, but we can't look back," he cautioned. "We must always look forward and do our best we can to proudly represent Turkey."

Turkey will go up against China, the Ivory Coast, Greece, Russia and Puerto Rico in Group C.

Iziç makes no secret of the fact that it will be one of the toughest groups, but sees the silver lining for the host nation.

"We're in one of the toughest groups. Our only advantage aside from being the host nation is the relatively favourable match-ups we can get. To have this advantage we need to finish the group in the position we want.

"In a tough group like that, where each team can beat the other, things get easier if you start with one or two wins with wide margins," he explains.

Iziç also points out that the list of absentees at the World Championship doesn't really matter as there will be others to take their places.

"It's not so important that some stars have announced they won't come to the championship because there will be important players to cover their absence," he reasoned.

"I think the players whom are not considered as stars (by the media) are more dangerous because they are hungry for success. With the absence of stars they will take more responsibility and increase their performance."

FIBA