Making a statement at the press conference after the national team beat Hungary 81-76 in the 2025 European Basketball Championship Qualifiers Group B, Ataman stated that the match was as difficult as they expected.
Emphasizing that they could not get any scoring contribution from the bench, Ataman said, “Especially in the third period, when they were ahead by 14 points and could not get any contribution from the bench, Hungary took part in the match. The worst case scenario for us was that they took part in the match in the last quarter. In fact, they took the lead by 6 points in the last quarter. Cedi, Kenan and Ömer then took control of the game.” “We took control with ‘s points. Hanga caused us problems, but we stopped him in the last section with man-change defense.” he said.
Stating that it is important for them to win both matches in this period and that they will take the field for the group leadership in the Italy and Iceland matches, Ataman said, “Now that we have the ticket to the championship, the goal is clear. We also have important players who are not here. They all want to wear the national jersey with excitement. All together, as a whole, it will be a long time.” We want to win a medal in the European Championship after a break. We have a good squad and strength for this. If we put our minds to it with all our players as a country, we will achieve it together. “I thank you for your support. There are more players who will be included in the squad and they will join us with the same excitement.” made his assessment.
National basketball player Yiğit Arslan noted that it was a very difficult match, but they did a good job in the last part and won.
