The Turkish playoffs start today
Basketball Super League, the top men’s professional basketball division in Turkey, has reached the quarter-finals, matches that will be played in the best-of-three system.
Turk Telekom (1) – Galatasaray (8)
What an impressive jump for Turk Telekom, from 11th place last year to first place this season with 15-0 at home. These results are largely due to players such as Axel Bouteille, Jerian Grant, Tony Taylor or Jones Tyrique. Galatasaray a disappointment this season, with a lot of good players like Dylan Ennis (16.5 pts, 4.7 reb, 3.9 ast), Angelo Caloiaro or Daron Russell managed to finish only in 8th place. In this season, each team won their matches at home, Turk starts with the first chance having the advantage of a decisive match at home.
Fenerbahce (2) – Tofas (7)
Last season’s champion, Fenerbahce finished second, just like last year. After being eliminated from the Euroleague playoffs, with a group of players such as Johnathan Motley, Davis-Hayes, Marko Guduric or Scottie Wilbekin, they have only one goal, winning the title again. On the other hand, Tofas puts all his hopes in one of the most interested players, Rob Gray (18.4 pts, 3.8 ast, 3.8 reb) helped by Toure Boubacar and Tyler Ennis. Although Fenerbahce is the favorite, it will be an interesting Motley-Gray duel.
Anadolu Efes (3) – Darussafaka (6)
The last chance for the former European champion to improve her image. With a lot of 5-star players: Will Clyburn, Vasilije Micic, Rodrigue Beaubois, Shane Larkin, Elijah Bryant or Ante Zizic, Efes was only a shadow of the team that dominated Europe. Darussafaka benefited this year from a decisive player in many moments, Gabriel Olaseni helped by one of the best Turkish players, Dogus Ozdemiroglu (14.6 pts, 6.4 ast, 4.8 reb). The lot is very weak in value as it has no chance against a powerhouse like Efes, Anadolu winning both matches in the regular season.
Pinar Karsiyaka (4) – Bursaspor (5)
This duel seems the most balanced in terms of places in the ranking, but Pinar is one of the best teams at home, 13-2 in the regular season. The trio of Errick McCollum (19.0 pts, 4.7 ast), Angola-Rodas (17.6 pts, 5.0 ast), and Angel Delgado (10.9 pts, 8.9 reb) will be a nightmare for Bursaspor. Bursaspor’s game revolves around the best Turkish player in the domestic championship, Onuralp Bitim (18.4 pts, 4.8 reb, 3.6 ast). In the regular season, each team won their home matches, so Pinar leaves with the first chance to qualify for the semifinals.
Valentin Petruta
Photo: https://www.haberturk.com/
