Team Focus: Besiktas JK Cola Turka
|
 One of the most famous sports clubs in Europe, Besiktas JK Cola Turka will be the only Turkish team in the ULEB Cup. Besiktas only managed to achieve a 3-7 record last year, but the team is back with a brand new roster and renewed ambitions.
2006-07 Provisional Roster | Name | Position | Height | Born | | REESE, A. | Guard | 183 | 1978 | | VEYSELOGLU, E. | Forward | 200 | 1983 | | GUNEY, B. | Guard | 193 | 1983 | | OZER, C. | Forward | 206 | 1983 | | OSTOJIC, D. | Center | 211 | 1976 | | BELGIN, L. | Center | 206 | 1982 | | VEKILOGLU, A. | Forward | 205 | 1979 | | THOMAS, J. | Forward | 198 | 1976 | | OZCAN, B. | Guard | 192 | 1980 | | BEYAZ, E. | Center | 208 | 1985 | | SALES, B. | Center | 208 | 1980 | | OZYILDIRIM, U. | Guard | 196 | 1983 | | YANNIER, D. | Guard | 189 | 1985 | | Coach: DIDIN, Murat |
|
Murat Didin is back to coach Besiktas and quickly signed scoring machine Jamel Thomas, center Brooks Sales and combo guard Aubrey Reese. Moreover, Besiktas completed its roster with experienced center Djuro Ostojic and young, ambitious Turkish players such as forwards Arda Vekiloglu and Erkan Veyseloglu, playmakers Baris Guney and Derya Yannier, center Levent Bilgin and talented power forward Cehver Ozer. As Besiktas tries to build its future, coach Didin hopes that the investment will pay off in the short run, too.
Reese has been an electric scorer everywhere he has been and Besiktas should not be an exception. Reese is an outstanding shooter and a smart player who rebounds well for his size, has the ability to find the open man and always gives his best on defense. Yannier, an up-and-coming playmaker and Guney, who already saw quality playing time in Fenerbahce, will likely come off the bench at both guard spots. Baris Ozcan, a combo guard and one of the few players that remained with the team this season, also offers explosiveness and court vision. Thomas is a offensive-minded player with range and driving skills to beat anyone one-on-one. He is a good defensive player, too, even when his shot selection is not the best sometimes. Umutcan Ozyildirim and Arin Sogancioglu will wait for a chance off the Besiktas bench at both wings.
2005-06 | ULEB CUP | | Reg. Season | (3-7) | TURKEY | | Season | (23-7) | | Playoffs | Semifinals |
|
Veyseloglu already showed hints of what he is able to do in Tuborg last season and Besiktas quickly signed him to make him an important piece of the puzzle. His shot selection, size and aggressiveness turn him into an interesting forward. Ozer is a solid big man with a good set of post skills and an effective mid-range jumper. A hard-working center who always powers the boards, Ozer is set to play a big role in Besiktas this season. Ostojic is a bkue-collar player, able ready to hit the outside shot to work his way to the basket in the low post. His experience will be important in such a young team. Sales is an outstanding rebounder who likes to attack the basket and draw fouls, as well as stepping back to hit a mid-range jumper. Mobile, talented and adapted to European basketball, Sales is ready to shine this season. Vekiloglu adds defense, rebounds and strength at the power forward spot, while Eren Beyaz and Levent Bilgin will be ready to take any opportunity throughout the season. Besiktas is back and if this brand new team gets together, the elimination rounds might not be out of the question.
|
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Euroleague.net
|
 Print Send Share
|