Anadolu Efes enters the new EuroLeague season with undefined ambitions, given that a new chapter has been turned in the club’s history.
The giant from Istanbul has in recent years been regarded as a real “punitive expedition”, evidenced by their back-to-back EuroLeague titles. Ergin Ataman’s roster had that “championship” gene, which was lost last season, resulting in Anadolu Efes not making it to the play-offs of the elite competition.
With the departure of the Turkish head coach from the bench, as well as the team’s main star, Vasilije Micic, a new chapter has been opened in the club’s history. The situation is such that currently, no one can make precise predictions about how the (modified) team will perform under the guidance Erdem Can, who is fortunate that the expectations of the basketball community are slightly lower than they were last season.
Alea iacta iest
Between 2018 and 2022, Anadolu Efes was the most formidable team in the EuroLeague. They secured two titles, played in one final, and arguably showcased their best basketball in the season that was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic (2019/2020). The previous season witnessed a significant decline, signaling the end of a prominent era and indicating the need for changes. Ergin Ataman left, replaced by Turkey’s most promising coach, Erdem Can. Vasilije Micic, who continues his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and numerous other secondary players, are also no longer with the team.
Contrary to Ataman, Can will place a much greater emphasis on defense, which was evident in the preseason. It’s a clear observation that Shane Larkin and Will Clyburn will have significant freedom in offense, with high expectations also set for Darius Thompson, who had an outstanding season with Baskonia. Rodrigue Beaubois and Elijah Bryant have repeatedly demonstrated their capabilities in the past, with the only real question marks surrounding the “frontcourt” positions.
Tibor Pleiss and Ante Zizic remain, despite not boasting a good last season. However, they will now face serious competition, as Can brought Tyrique Jones with him from Turk Telekom. Derek Willis from Venezia has also joined the team. Still, at first glance, this roster seems a bit “thin” for achieving a significant result, such as reaching the Final Four. In the first season post-Ataman, making it to the play-offs would be more than satisfactory.
EuroLeague Preview – Anadolu Efes: Roster for the upcoming season
Shane Larkin /182cm/ – USA
Erten Gazi /190cm/ – TUR
Rodrigue Beaubois /190cm/ – FRA
Justus Hollatz /191cm/ – GER
Darius Thompson /192cm/ – USA
Erkan Yilmaz /192cm/ – TUR
Dogus Ozdemiroglu /194cm/ – TUR
Elijah Bryant /196cm/ – USA
Will Clyburn /201cm/ – USA
Derek Willis /206cm/ – USA
Tyrique Jones /206cm/ – USA
Ante Zizic /210cm/ – HRV
Ercam Osmani /213cm/ – TUR
Mehmet Demirel /214cm/ – TUR
Tibor Pleiss /221cm/ – GER
Klub napustili: Vasilije Micic, Dogus Balbay, Amath M’Baye, Bryant Dunston, Chris Singleton, Bugrahan Tuncer, Egehan Arna, Egemen Guven
Dolasci: Darius Thompson, Derek Willis, Erkan Yilmaz, Tyrique Jones, Dogus Ozdemiroglu, Justus Hollatz, Ercan Osmani
EuroLeague Preview – Anadolu Efes: Greatest Success in the competition
Anadolu Efes achieved its greatest successes under the guidance of coach Ergin Ataman. The Turkish expert took the reins of the Istanbul giant in 2017, sculpted a system to his liking, and over the subsequent six seasons, captured 10 trophies.
Prior to Ataman’s last arrival, Efes’s crowning achievements had been two Final Four appearances (one of them in Ataman’s first tenure). Over his six-year tenure, Ataman meticulously carved out roles for every player, maintained the team’s core through the seasons, and transformed Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin into superstars ready to “conquer” Europe at any given moment.
Following a 2019 EuroLeague final loss to CSKA Moscow, the trajectory for the Istanbul-based team began to shift significantly. The team remained undeterred, with the system continuing to function flawlessly. The ultimate testament to their resilience and prowess came in the form of back-to-back EuroLeague titles in 2021 and 2022.
However, like all great tales, this saga came to an end. In the past season, Anadolu Efes failed to secure a spot among the top eight clubs in Europe. Ergin Ataman chose to “set sail” and take over Panathinaikos, while the team’s leading star, Vasilije Micic, opted to ink a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Few words about the head coach – Erdem Can
Erdem Can faces the biggest challenge of his career ahead. The promising Turkish expert has, for the first time, taken over a team in the EuroLeague as head coach, and not just any team but a club that has climbed to the top of Europe twice in the past three years. Luckily for him, Anadolu Efes didn’t have the best season behind them, so he will surely, at least in the beginning, receive some credit from the fans.
It can be said that Erdem Can is currently the most promising coach from Turkey. He showcased his qualities best in the last season when he led Turk Telekom to the EuroCup finals. His team’s excellent performance, as well as the results, recommended him to the giants from Istanbul, who believe that with Erdem, they can create a long-term successful project.
Can began his coaching career at the age of 28 as an assistant coach for Turk Telekom (2008-2010). He took on his first head coaching job at Elin Odirne, which is now defunct and better known as Eskishehir. From 2012 to 2021, he served as an assistant in Zeljko Obradovic and Igor Kokoskov coaching staff at Fenerbahce. Afterward, he also worked as an assistant coach in the NBA with the Utah Jazz.
In the previous seasons, he was named the Coach of the Year in the EuroCup and the national championship (Turkish Super League). As an assistant coach, he has contributed to winning four Turkish championships, three cups, the Super Cup, and the EuroLeague.
EuroLeague Preview – Anadolu Efes: Expectations
It’s nearly impossible to make accurate predictions at this moment, mainly due to the coaching change at Anadolu Efes. The team will need a certain adjustment period under the guidance of Erdem Can, whose coaching style and system differ significantly from Ergin Ataman’s. The silver lining for Can is that, unlike last season, there’s no looming expectation of seeing Anadolu Efes crowned as the champions of Europe, significantly reducing the pressure.
The team’s recent signings during the transfer window seem promising, with a special emphasis on acquiring Darius Thompson. Only time will tell if the former Baskonia player can fill Micic’s shoes, but signing one of Europe’s premier guards is undoubtedly a commendable move by Anadolu Efes. Will Clyburn is anticipated to take up the role of the team’s leader. With the rest of the roster supporting and delivering as their roles demand.
Realistically speaking, Can’s team has the foundation to end up among the top eight teams by the end of the regular season. Still, the adaptation period and the form in which their competitors start the season will primarily determine this. Arguably, the most fortunate aspect for the former Turk Telekom coach, and the team, is the club’s failure to reach the playoffs last season. Without the immense pressure from the media and fans, the “new” Anadolu Efes might just serve up some pleasant surprises.