Famous Turkish Basketball Players

Cedi Osman is a Turkish professional basketball player currently with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, primarily playing as a small forward. He was selected as the 31st overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft and has also played for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Osman has gained experience and recognition in the league for his skills on the court. Throughout his professional career, he has demonstrated versatility and contributed to his teams with his scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities.

Alperen Şengün is a Turkish professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the NBA. He is a center known for his talent and potential as one of the best Turkish-born prospects in the league. Şengün made history by becoming the youngest player to win the Basketball Super League's Most Valuable Player Award in 2021. He was selected as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA draft. Additionally, he represents the senior Turkish national team, showcasing his skills on an international level.

Ersan Ilyasova is a Turkish former professional basketball player who had a successful career spanning 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for various teams including the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent 9 seasons. He also showcased his talent in Turkey, Spain, and the NBA Development League. Known for his versatility and scoring ability, Ilyasova made significant contributions to the teams he played for, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball world with his skills on the court.

Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu is a prominent Turkish basketball figure with a successful career as both a player and executive. Standing at 6 ft 10 in, Türkoğlu played as a forward for six teams during his 15-season tenure in the NBA. He achieved recognition by winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2008 and competing in the NBA Finals in 2009 with the Magic. Additionally, he represented Turkey in international basketball competitions and has held the position of president of the Turkish Basketball Federation since 2016.

Furkan Korkmaz is a Turkish professional basketball player known for his versatility in playing both shooting guard and small forward positions. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft and has been a valuable asset to the team. Standing at 6 ft 7 in, Korkmaz's height gives him an advantage on the court. Throughout his professional career, he has showcased his skills in scoring, shooting, and defensive play, making him a key player for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ömer Faruk Aşık is a Turkish former professional basketball player who played as a center in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls. Standing at 7 ft 0 in, he began his professional career with Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Basketball League before moving to Alpella and then back to Fenerbahçe. Aşık gained recognition for his skills while playing for the Turkey national team, helping them win a silver medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. Known as "The Turkish Hammer" and "Asik the Destroyer," he signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2010.

Ömer Faruk Yurtseven is a Turkish professional basketball player known for his time with the Utah Jazz in the NBA. He previously played college basketball for both the NC State Wolfpack and the Georgetown Hoyas. Standing at 6 feet 11 inches and weighing 275 pounds, Yurtseven is a center known for his skills on the court. With a promising career ahead of him, he has showcased his talent at various levels of the sport, making a name for himself in the basketball world.

Semih Erden is a Turkish professional basketball player known for his prowess at the center position. Standing at an impressive height of 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), he currently plays for Bursaspor İnfo Yatırım in the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). Throughout his career, Erden has showcased his skills and athleticism on the court, earning recognition for his contributions to various teams. His dedication and hard work have established him as a valuable asset in the world of professional basketball, with a reputation for being a formidable presence in the paint.

Zaza Pachulia is a former professional basketball player turned basketball operations consultant for the Golden State Warriors. He began his career in Turkey before being drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2003. Over his 16-year NBA career, Pachulia played for seven teams and won championships with the Warriors in 2017 and 2018. He also represented the Georgia national team in various tournaments. Pachulia was known for his physical style of play, with some critics labeling him as a "dirty" player.

Kerem Kanter is a Turkish professional basketball player currently competing for ADA Blois Basket 41 in the LNB Pro A league. He gained experience playing college basketball for Wisconsin–Green Bay and the Xavier Musketeers before transitioning to the professional level. Known for his skills on the court, Kanter has showcased his talent as a forward, contributing to his team's success. With a background in both collegiate and professional basketball, Kanter continues to make an impact in the sport with his dedication and hard work.

Mehmet Murat Okur is a Turkish former professional basketball player known for his three-point shooting and ability to space the floor. He played as a power forward and center in the NBA, notably with the Utah Jazz where he earned the nickname "the Money Man" for his talent in pressure situations. Okur was the first Turkish player to win an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. Transitioning into coaching, he became a player development coach for the Phoenix Suns in 2016, making history as the first Turkish citizen to enter the coaching world in the NBA.

Emir Preldžić is a versatile Bosnian-Turkish professional basketball player known for his flexibility on the court. Standing at 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m), he primarily plays as a small forward but also demonstrates skill in positions like power forward, shooting guard, and even point guard. He currently competes for KK Orlovik Žepče in the Basketball Championship of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Notably, he has also represented the Turkish national basketball team, showcasing his talent and adaptability at both the domestic and international levels.

Scottie Wilbekin is a professional basketball player known for his successful career in various leagues around the world. Starting with college basketball in the US, he gained recognition as a standout player. Transitioning to professional leagues in Australia, Greece, Turkey, and Israel, Wilbekin showcased his skills and leadership abilities. His time with Darüşşafaka was particularly notable, where he played a key role in winning the 2018 EuroCup title and received MVP honors. Currently, he continues to excel with Fenerbahçe Beko in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi and EuroLeague.

Bobby Dixon, also known as Ali Muhammed, is a former professional basketball player who excelled at the point guard position. He played for the senior Turkish national basketball team after acquiring Turkish citizenship in 2015. Known for his skills on the court, Dixon had a successful career playing professionally. He made a name for himself with his talent and dedication to the sport, earning recognition both nationally and internationally for his contributions to the game.

İbrahim Kutluay is a former Turkish professional basketball player who excelled as a shooting guard, known for his exceptional 3-point shooting skills. He achieved notable accomplishments such as scoring 50 points in a game at the 1996 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship and 41 points in a EuroLeague game. Kutluay was the first Turkish player to win the EuroLeague championship with Panathinaikos in 2002. His legacy extends beyond his on-court abilities, encompassing leadership qualities and extraordinary talent. He later transitioned to a career as a manager and pundit in the basketball world.

Johnny Hamilton is a Trinidadian professional basketball player currently playing for Shahrdari Gorgan in the Basketball Champions League Asia. He started his college career at Jacksonville College and later transferred to Virginia Tech before finishing his final season at UT Arlington. Hamilton, standing at 7 feet tall, plays as a center. With his impressive height and skills, he has made a name for himself in the basketball world, showcasing his talent and contributing to his team's success on the court.

İdris Nebi Taşkan is a multi-talented individual who has made a name for himself in both the entertainment industry and sports world. As an actor, he has showcased his skills on screen, bringing characters to life with his performances. Additionally, his passion for basketball has also been evident, as he has demonstrated talent and dedication on the court. With a diverse range of abilities, İdris Nebi Taşkan continues to impress audiences and fans with his versatility and passion in both his acting and basketball career.

Ermal Kuqo is a retired Albanian-Turkish professional basketball player who spent most of his career with Efes Pilsen. He is currently working as the Director of International Pro Player Personnel for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Kuqo is widely regarded as the greatest Albanian basketball player in history. He was a member of the Turkish national team from 2004 to 2010 before being granted permission to play for Albania in 2010.

Cenk Akyol is a Turkish professional basketball coach and former player known for his role as a shooting guard. With a successful career in the sport, he transitioned into coaching and currently serves as an assistant coach for Bahçeşehir Koleji in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). Akyol brings his wealth of experience and expertise to the team, guiding players with his strategic insights and technical knowledge. His dedication to the sport continues to make a significant impact on the basketball community in Turkey.

Mirsad Türkcan is a Turkish former professional basketball player of Bosniak origin known for his prowess as a power forward. He had a successful career in the EuroLeague, being a three-time All-EuroLeague Team member and ranking as the fifth best rebounder since 2000. Türkcan was the first Turkish player to join the NBA in 1999. He achieved notable milestones in the EuroLeague, including 50 double doubles and a 20-point, 20-rebound game. Türkcan led the EuroLeague in rebounding five times and was recognized as a EuroLeague Legend in 2017.

Bogdan Tanjević, also known as "Boša," is a highly respected Montenegrin professional basketball coach and former player. He gained prominence as the head coach of KK Bosna, leading the team to victory in the FIBA European Champions Cup in the 1978–79 season. Tanjević further showcased his coaching prowess by guiding the Italian national team to a gold medal at EuroBasket 1999. His remarkable contributions to the sport were officially recognized when he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019.

Caner Osman is a Turkish-Macedonian coach and former professional basketball player. He currently serves as an assistant coach for Yeşilgiresun Belediye, working alongside head coach Aleksandar Trifunović. Osman last played for KK Kumanovo in the Macedonian First League. With a background in playing and coaching basketball, Osman brings valuable experience and expertise to his current role. His dedication to the sport and his contributions to the team have made him a respected figure within the basketball community.

Can Maxim Mutaf is a Turkish professional basketball player currently playing for Bahçeşehir Koleji in the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL). Known for his skills on the court, Mutaf has established himself as a key player for his team. With his experience and talent, he contributes to the success of Bahçeşehir Koleji in the competitive BSL. Mutaf's dedication to the game and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a respected reputation in the professional basketball world.

Ahmet Düverioğlu, also known as Ahmad Hekmat Al-Dwairi in Jordan, is a Turkish-Jordanian professional basketball player. He currently plays for Çağdaş Bodrumspor in the Basketbol Süper Ligi. Utilizing his Turkish passport, Düverioğlu competes in the EuroLeague as a center, showcasing his skills and dominance on the court. Standing tall at 2.13 meters (7 feet 0 inches), he brings a strong presence to the team with his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and defensive capabilities. Düverioğlu continues to make a significant impact in the world of professional basketball.

Gazmend Sinani, also known as Aydın Okçu, was a talented Kosovan professional basketball player who primarily played as a center. He showcased his skills while playing for Leeds Force and representing the Kosovo national team. Sinani's on-court presence was marked by his strong defensive abilities and scoring prowess. He was a valuable asset to his teams, contributing to their success with his dedication and passion for the game. Sinani's impact on the basketball community was felt through his hard work and commitment to the sport.