TUR/USA – Iverson already the star attraction in Turkey

ISTANBUL (Beko Basketball Ligi) - The thirst for big-time basketball in Istanbul wasn’t quenched by hosting the FIBA World Championship this year, it appears.

Judging from the scenes at the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul on Monday night when former NBA MVP Allen Iverson arrived to launch his European career with Besiktas, there’s a new star attraction in the country.

Wearing a Philadelphia Phillies baseball cap and a white Besiktas Cola Turka jersey, Iverson was mobbed by fans, and journalists.

The 35-year-old now knows there are a lot of Turkish hoops fans that will be following his every move as he plays the next couple of seasons for $2million per year.

The scenes at the airport were something to behold, even for a man that was once among the best in the NBA.

“Obviously, they were great,” Iverson said of the fans that showed up to greet him as he walked into the arrivals hall.

“You know, that’s the most important thing, to be accepted, and wanted and appreciated.

“It was just a good feeling to see them come out and support me.

“It’s just excited me more and more to get done what I want to get done and that’s win basketball games.”

When asked what the fans can expect from him, Iverson said: “Just excitement for the fans. Hopefully they’ll come out and support our team and watch me play.”

Turkey is already one of the best places to watch the European game.

In addition to Besiktas, there are hugely popular clubs like Efes Pilsen and Fenerbahce.

Iverson sees his adventure as a win-win situation for Turkey and himself.

“I think the best opportunity is coming out here and giving them something that they’ve never seen before,” he said.

“They’ve obviously seen a little bit of me playing in the NBA but they’ll (now) get a chance to see a lot more of me in person.”

Iverson is likely to encounter more situations like the one on Monday night.

“That’s one of the greatest feeling about sports and being an athlete, you get a chance to interact with the fans,” he said.

“The more excitement they have will give me the extra energy to play hard.”

Iverson was asked if he knew any words in Turkish.

“No, not yet,” he said to NTV Spor.

“But I’m going to be around my teammates a lot and I’m going to interact with the fans as much as possible.”

Iverson then grinned and added: “I bet before I leave here, I’ll be speaking Turkish.”

FIBA