TUR – Well-rested Turkoglu getting in shape for FIBA World Championship

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – After spending quality time with his family and recovering from a grueling NBA season, Hedo Turkoglu is working to be in the best shape of his life for the FIBA World Championship.

Turkoglu, who helped the Orlando Magic reach the NBA Finals back in 2009, had a tough time with the Toronto Raptors this past season, with both the player and the team failing to live up to high expectations.

But the 30-year-old has put that disappointment behind him to focus on doing his part in helping Turkey reach great heights in front of their fans this summer.

“I spent time with my family and got some rest,” he told Ntvspor. “Since my season finished quite a bit earlier than the others, I’m trying to stay in shape.

“I want to go to the World Championship with momentum. That’s why I had my last vacation with my family this past weekend and I’m now working out, trying my best to be ready for 10th July (when Turkey open their training camp in Ankara).”

And the Turkish captain likes the look of the 15-man squad, especially the carryover of players from the 2009 EuroBasket.

“There is not a big difference when you compare this squad to last summer’s. This means that our technical staff is satisfied with the team’s performance at last year’s EuroBasket in Poland,” he explained.

Turkoglu also welcomed the return to the fold of a pair of familiar faces.

“We have a couple of newcomers and some returns. Cenk Akyol had a pretty good season in Italy and made a comeback to the national side,” he added.

“Kerem Gönlüm fulfilled his punishment and will be with us. That is a good thing because he is beneficial to us.”

Turkey open the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Ankara’s Group C, against China, Greece, Ivory Coast, Puerto Rico and Russia.

FIBA