At EuroBasket 2022, Turkey’s national basketball team, led by center Alperen Sengun, faced a challenging tournament that nearly ended abruptly due to intense off-court turmoil. Despite this, Sengun’s strong performance played a key role as Turkey pushed through a difficult group stage and advanced into the knockout rounds. The team’s resilience amid chaos has set heightened expectations for Sengun and Turkey heading into EuroBasket 2025.
The 21-year-old Sengun, then establishing himself as a rising star, helped Turkey pull off critical victories against Montenegro and Bulgaria. His 12 points and six rebounds against Montenegro contributed to a narrow 72-68 win, while a standout 20-point, nine-rebound, and four-assist game fueled Turkey’s success against Bulgaria. These wins helped Turkey shake early underdog labels and build momentum in the competition.
Memorable Games and Off-Court Turmoil During the Group Stage
Turkey’s third group match against hosts Georgia became infamous not just for basketball but for an off-court brawl that threatened the team’s continuation in the tournament. The double-overtime loss, ending 88-83 in favor of Georgia, included a physical altercation that escalated dramatically in the fourth quarter.
Furkan Korkmaz of Turkey and Georgia’s Duda Sanadze were ejected following a fight on the court, but the conflict extended beyond the game itself. According to Turkish Basketball Federation Vice President Ömer Onan, Georgian players who were not on the active roster, together with local police, allegedly attacked Korkmaz and a Turkish trainer as they headed to the locker rooms.
“While Furkan Korkmaz was walking in the hallway to the locker rooms with our trainer, Georgia’s players who were not on the active roster attacked him together with (Sanadze) and the police,”
— Ömer Onan, Turkish Basketball Federation Vice President
This incident sparked furious responses from the Turkish side, with Onan warning of a possible withdrawal from the tournament if justice was not served.
“There should not be an attack on the player that goes to the locker room. At the end of the match, 30 policemen each pushed us into a fight. We got into a fight with Georgia’s official police. I am calling out to FIBA, and I have also told FIBA’s officials. Let no one deceive themselves or think that we are stupid. They will bring us all the camera footage from that corridor minute by minute without anything missing. If those cameras do not come to us, we will leave this tournament.”
— Ömer Onan, Turkish Basketball Federation Vice President
The severity of the situation caused significant concern among players, officials, and fans alike, raising questions about Turkey’s ability to continue in EuroBasket 2022.
FIBA’s Response and Resolution of the Incident
Following the incident, FIBA launched a thorough investigation to determine the facts surrounding the clash between the two teams. The governing body handed out suspensions and fines to players involved, including Sanadze and Korkmaz, aiming to maintain order and accountability.
Additionally, FIBA imposed a $50,000 fine on the Georgian Basketball Federation and an $18,500 fine on the Turkish Basketball Federation. These disciplinary measures helped resolve the tensions and allowed Turkey to remain in the competition, continuing their pursuit of success.
Turkey’s Playoff Performance and Sengun’s Standout Role
After surviving the near-exit crisis, Turkey rebounded with a convincing win against Belgium and later earned passage to the round of 16. There, they faced France, a powerhouse team and 2021 Olympic silver medalist, which was widely expected to end Turkey’s tournament run decisively.
Instead of bowing out quietly, Turkey pushed France to overtime in a gripping match that ended with a narrow 93-92 loss due to a decisive basket by Terry Tarpey. Sengun’s impressive average of 16.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists throughout the tournament solidified his status as Turkey’s key player and leader during this run.
The EuroBasket 2022 campaign demonstrated Turkey’s ability to compete at a high level despite adversity and set the stage for Alperen Sengun to carry the team with confidence moving forward.
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of EuroBasket 2025
Turkey approaches EuroBasket 2025 as a team loaded with talent but assigned to the so-called “group of death,” where they will face formidable opponents including Serbia led by Nikola Jokic, Latvia under Kristaps Porzingis, Estonia, Czechia, and Portugal. Despite the tough competition, Sengun is optimistic about his team’s potential.
“Of course, the goal is a medal.”
— Alperen Sengun, Turkish National Team Center
Given his prior experience and leadership demonstrated in 2022, Sengun remains confident that Turkey can exceed expectations once again. His strong NBA campaign with the Houston Rockets has only added to his capabilities and provided momentum heading into the upcoming tournament.
Turkey’s past near-exit drama and remarkable playoff showing highlight not only their resilience but also the high level of motivation this roster carries. How they perform against elite competitors in the group stages will likely determine their overall success, but Sengun’s involvement is indisputably pivotal to their ambitions.
Importance for Turkish Basketball and Sengun’s Rising Profile
The turbulence Turkey faced in EuroBasket 2022 and their ability to recover underscore the significance of maintaining professionalism and composure in international sports. The incident involving the Georgian team tested not only the players’ temperament but also the administrative responses at crucial moments.
For Alperen Sengun, EuroBasket 2022 was a watershed moment that established him as a vital figure on the international stage. His performances helped elevate Turkey’s standing and created a strong foundation for future tournaments.
As Turkey prepares for EuroBasket 2025, all eyes will be on Sengun to lead the team through a highly competitive group and beyond, navigating both the basketball challenges and the off-court dynamics that have previously threatened their campaign.