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    Alex Koyun: Being part of Anadolu Efes is a great responsibility and a huge opportunity

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    By on Anadolu Efes, News, Rising Stars
    Alex Koyun
    Basketball Sphere
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    Alex Koyun spoke with Basketball Sphere about his development at Anadolu Efes, the challenges he has faced, and his goals for the future.

    Alex Koyun turned 17 last December and has already made the move that most Turkish prospects spend years working toward. A product of Karsiyaka’s youth program in Izmir, the 206-centimeter forward now plays for Anadolu Efes, one of the most structured development environments in Turkish basketball.

    His profile began to rise in 2024 after he earned a spot with Turkey’s U16 national team and played at the FIBA U16 EuroBasket that summer. The move to Efes followed soon after.

    In his first significant EuroLeague Next Gen exposure with the club, during the Belgrade qualifier this season, he averaged 17.8 points and 9.5 rebounds across four games while shooting over 70 percent from two-point range: numbers that stood out even among older players in the tournament.

    With the youth season now behind him and the summer national team period ahead, Koyun is at a stage where the questions become more demanding.

    Reflecting on his childhood, Alex Koyun discussed when basketball started to take on a deeper meaning in his life and revealed who first made him believe that he could have a future in the sport.

    ,,I felt from a young age that basketball meant something more to me. Being on the court always made me very happy. My first coaches and my family taught me that the most important thing is to work hard.”

    Joining Anadolu Efes exposed Koyun to a different basketball environment, one built around a higher tempo and a more demanding structure. The transition helped him realize the importance of maintaining discipline on a daily basis, as every practice and every detail carried greater weight than before.

    ,,When I arrived at Anadolu Efes, I was introduced to a different system and pace of play. During this process, I realized how important it is to work with greater discipline every day.”

    EuroLeague Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade was a highly valuable experience for Alex Koyun. Competing against some of the strongest youth teams in Europe gave him an opportunity to measure himself against top-level opposition, while also helping him better understand the demands of elite competition.

    He thanked Anadolu Efes for making that experience possible and took particular satisfaction in being able to contribute to his team’s performances throughout the event. Rather than singling out one specific game, Koyun viewed the tournament as a whole as an important learning experience that contributed to his development.

    ,,It was a very valuable tournament for me. I would like to thank Anadolu Efes for giving us such an opportunity. I had the chance to test myself against strong teams, and I was happy that I could help my team.

    Rather than a single game, I would say that the tournament as a whole taught me a lot and contributed greatly to my development.”

    Playing senior basketball at a young age offered Koyun a different perspective on the game. He explained how his experience in Türkiye’s second division helped him better understand his strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

    ,,Last season, I had the opportunity to gain experience in the Turkish Basketball League at the age of 16. Having older teammates around me was also a great advantage.

    Playing against older players helped me see where I stand both physically and in terms of my overall level of play, while also showing me which areas of my game I need to continue improving.”

    As his game continues to evolve, Alex remains focused on both his strengths and the areas that still need refinement. He shared his perspective on the qualities that define him as a player today and the improvements he sees as essential for the next stage of his development.

    ,,I enjoy playing defense and always put great effort into that side of the game. It’s one of the aspects I love most. I try to contribute to my team on both ends of the floor.

    Moving forward, I believe I need to further improve my shooting consistency, decision-making speed, and physical strength.”

    Every player develops their own style, but inspiration often comes from studying others. He spoke about the players he looks up to and the elements of their games that resonate with him the most.

    ,,I enjoy watching players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Kevin Durant. I try to learn from players who contribute to their teams on both ends of the floor, both offensively and defensively.”

    With his profile continuing to grow, the demands that come with being a young player have also increased. He spoke about dealing with expectations, staying focused amid outside noise, and finding the right balance between basketball and the rest of his life.

    ,,I try not to think too much about the pressure. Instead, I focus on my own development and on what I need to do on the court. My family, agent, teammates, and coaches provide me with a lot of support throughout this process.

    I also do my best to manage the balance between school, training, and my personal life by staying disciplined.”

    At just 17 years old, Alex Koyun is already regarded as one of the more intriguing prospects in his generation. While outside expectations continue to grow, he remains focused on his own path, discussing the ambitions, goals, and long-term vision that motivate him every day.

    ,,My goal is to keep improving every day and become a player who can establish himself at the highest level. The EuroLeague and the NBA are, of course, dreams for every young player, but right now I still have areas of my game that I need to develop, and I have to work very hard.

    If I don’t do that, I won’t get anywhere.”

    Being part of a club like Anadolu Efes comes with both opportunities and expectations. He discussed what the organization means to him personally and how he views the balance between the privileges and responsibilities that accompany wearing the club’s jersey.

    ,,Anadolu Efes is a very big and special club for me. Not only for me, but for Turkish basketball as a whole. It is like a school.

    Being part of such an organization is both a great responsibility and a very important opportunity. Being here motivates me to work harder every single day.”

    Basketball may take up most of his time, but Koyun also values the moments that allow him to unwind away from the game. He spoke about the simple things that help him recharge, from music and family to the routines that keep him grounded after demanding days on the court.

    ,,After intense training sessions, I usually enjoy listening to music. My favorite song at the moment is Nokia by Drake.

    Spending time with my family and close friends also helps me relax. I don’t have any particularly special routine, but I try to stay calm and clear my mind.”

    Throughout his basketball journey, Alex Koyun has worked with a number of coaches who have contributed to his growth. He discussed the individuals who have left the strongest impression on him and the impact they have had on his development.

    ,,I would say all of my coaches. I’m grateful to every one of them and would like to thank them all.”

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