Turkey head coach Ergin Ataman is fully aware of the challenge awaiting his team in Iceland, despite believing that the visitors have a significant advantage in overall talent.
Turkey enter the game unbeaten with a perfect 7-0 record and sit at the top of their World Cup qualifying group. A victory would put Ataman’s team within touching distance of securing their place at the FIBA World Cup 2027.
However, the experienced coach has warned his players that Iceland will present a completely different challenge on home court.
Ataman highlights Iceland’s home-court advantage
Ataman emphasized the difficult logistics of traveling to Iceland, including the time difference and the physical effect of a long journey.
“By the time you get here, you may have made one of the longest trips in Europe. The three-hour time difference also affects the body’s balance a little.”
Despite those difficulties, Ataman believes Turkey have the stronger roster and must make that difference count.
“Of course, we think we are superior to Iceland in terms of our roster. We need to play intelligently and reflect the quality of our squad on the court.”
At the same time, he warned that Iceland are particularly dangerous in front of their home crowd.
“Iceland are a very dangerous team, especially at home. They play fast.”
Ataman singled out Martin Hermannsson and Jon Axel Gudmundsson as two of the players capable of causing problems, while also pointing to the continuity within the Icelandic roster.
“They have five or six players who have been playing together for around five or six years. They play very high-tempo basketball. Their two point guards are particularly effective.”
Turkey will therefore need contributions beyond their starting lineup, with Ataman stressing the importance of their bench.
“We need to increase the contribution from our players coming off the bench. We have to make the game faster and more aggressive to gain an advantage.”
Ataman praises Turkey’s team mentality
The Turkey coach also highlighted the atmosphere surrounding the national team, claiming that his players now approach international duty with the mentality of a club team.
“Everyone is fighting with great desire. We have turned this place, where we wear the national team jersey, into a club team. That is very important.”
Ataman believes Turkey’s individual talent is only part of the reason behind their success.
“The players’ quality plays a major role in winning games, but becoming a team, fighting together, putting egos aside and sharing the ball on offense are also very important.”
According to Ergin Ataman, the current group has embraced that mentality.
“Our players’ mentality is very good.”
He also credited the support surrounding the national team, including the fans and Turkish sporting authorities.
“Everyone is trying to give their best for the Turkish people who follow us with great interest.”
Turkey can secure World Cup qualification
The Iceland game represents a major opportunity for Turkey.
Ataman’s team currently leads the group with seven wins from seven games, and the coach believes another victory would almost certainly secure their ticket to the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
“This is a crucial game for us. We are currently undefeated and leading the group with seven wins.”
“A win here tomorrow would take us to the World Cup with 99 percent certainty.”
Although Turkey would still hold a significant advantage regardless of the result, Ataman wants to finish the job immediately.
“We have a huge advantage with any result, but we want to leave here with a win and get our World Cup ticket.”
Iceland, meanwhile, are fighting for their own place in the top three.
They currently have three victories and remain firmly in contention, making the matchup important for both teams.
Ataman pointed to Iceland’s performance against Serbia as evidence that Turkey cannot afford to relax.
“Iceland are a team that never takes a step back. No matter the difference, they never stop fighting and constantly try to get back into the game.”
Small arena could create difficult atmosphere
The home environment is another factor Turkey will have to manage.
Ataman expects Iceland’s compact arena to create an intense atmosphere despite its relatively small size.
“The arena is extremely small, but they have a very aggressive fan base. We have experienced that in the past.”
Turkey already know what it is like to struggle in Iceland.
The last time the national team played there, Turkey suffered a defeat, although Ataman stressed that the circumstances were completely different.
“At that time, we came here with a very different roster, an entire B team, you could say. It was a game that had no significance for us because we had already qualified for the European Championship.”
The Icelandic crowd nevertheless created significant pressure in that game, something Ataman expects to see again.
“Tomorrow there will also be a heavy atmosphere in this small arena. We need to keep control and reflect the quality of our roster on the court.”
Ercan Osmani injury adds to Turkey’s concerns
Turkey will also be without Ercan Osmani, who was removed from the national team roster after suffering a broken nose during the recent game against Lithuania.
Osmani was injured just five minutes into that matchup, initially leaving the coaching staff hopeful that it was only a blow.
“Of course, it is very unfortunate. Ercan broke his nose in the fifth minute of the Lithuania game.”
An X-ray subsequently confirmed the fracture, with Osmani expected to undergo surgery.
“At first, we were hopeful and thought maybe it was just a knock, but the X-ray showed that his nose was broken. I think he will undergo surgery tomorrow morning.”
Ataman emphasized that Osmani is an important part of Turkey’s rotation, particularly with Alperen Sengun unavailable.
“Ercan Osmani is an important player for us. Especially with Alperen not available, his importance increases even more.”
However, Turkey have already shown that they have alternative options in the frontcourt.
Ataman praised Yigitcan Saybir and Erkan Yilmaz for their performances against Lithuania and also suggested that Cedi Osman could be used in that position if necessary.
Turkey focused on finishing the job
Turkey now have a clear objective: maintain their unbeaten run and turn their dominant qualifying campaign into World Cup qualification.
With seven victories already secured, Ataman’s team are in an excellent position, but the coach knows that Iceland’s pace, continuity and home-court advantage can create problems.
A victory would take Turkey to 8-0 and leave them on the verge of officially securing their place at the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
For Ataman, the formula is straightforward: control the tempo, use the depth of the roster, avoid getting caught up in the hostile atmosphere and make Turkey’s superior individual quality count.
