Turkish Women's Basketball Team prepares for FIBA World Cup

The Turkish Women's National Basketball Team is preparing for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which will be held in Berlin, Germany, from September 4–13. During a media day at the Turkcell Basketball Development Center, team leadership and players discussed their goals and current readiness.

Head coach Andrea Mazzon stated that the team is currently at a level 7 out of 10 and expressed confidence in their potential to compete among the top 16 teams. He noted that the large Turkish community in Germany will provide significant support. Mazzon also highlighted challenges regarding players based in the US, noting that new rules regarding late arrivals for national team duties can impact preparation.

Team captain Olcay Çakır Turgut emphasized the team's ambition to advance from Group C, which includes Belgium, Australia, and Puerto Rico. She identified the match against Puerto Rico as a critical opportunity to secure a win and progress. Meanwhile, 21-year-old player Elif İstanbulluoğlu, who plays for Louisville University, aims to bring the high tempo and physicality of the US NCAA style to the national team, with long-term aspirations of playing in the WNBA.