|
|
|
ROSTER
|
|
4
|
BALBAY, DOGUS
|
G
|
1.85
|
|
5
|
FARMAR, JORDAN
|
G
|
1.88
|
|
8
|
BATUK, BIRKAN
|
F
|
1.96
|
|
9
|
ERDEN, SEMIH
|
C
|
2.11
|
|
10
|
TUNCERI, KEREM
|
G
|
1.90
|
|
12
|
GONLUM, KEREM
|
F
|
2.08
|
|
15
|
BATISTA, ESTEBAN
|
C
|
2.08
|
|
7
|
VUJACIC, SASHA
|
G
|
2.00
|
|
20
|
SAVANOVIC, DUSKO
|
F
|
2.04
|
|
22
|
LUCAS, JAMON-ALFRED
|
G
|
1.91
|
|
23
|
KUQO, ERMAL
|
C
|
2.07
|
|
32
|
GULER, SINAN
|
G
|
1.92
|
|
33
|
SIRIN, GOKHAN
|
F
|
2.07
|
|
42
|
BARAC, STANKO
|
C
|
2.17
|
| Head Coach: MAHMUTI, OKTAY |
|
|
|
2011-12 Results
|
|
Euroleague:
|
|
Regular Season
5-5
|
|
Top 16
1-5
|
|
Turkish League:
Finalist
|
|
Turkish Cup:
Semifinalist
|
HISTORIC RESULTS
2011-12: 6-10, Top 16
2010-11: 9-7, Top 16
2009-10: 6-10, Top 16
2008-09: 4-6, Regular Season
2007-08: 9-11, Top 16
2006-07: 10-10, Top 16
2005-06: 12-10, Playoffs
2004-05: 17-6, Playoffs
2003-04: 14-6, Top 16
2002-03: 12-8, Top 16
2001-02: 12-8, Top 16
|
|
WHAT'S NEW
Oktay Mahmuti is back on the bench where he started his coaching career and is joined by three proven veterans - Jordan Farmar, Semih Erden and Jamon Lucas - as well as young shooter Birkan Batuk. Efes didn't change much, especially inside, but got more scoring and defense in the backcourt. Those few but precise changes are meant to push Efes back into Final Four contention after it missed the playoffs last year.
THE BACKCOURT
Farmar will have the ball in his hands and a lot of options nearby, including his old running mate, Sasha Vujacic, veterans Kerem Tunceri, Sinan Guler and Lucas. Farmar's driving and passing skills will be crucial for the outside shooters and to offer a scoring counterbalance to Vujacic. Expect him, Vujacic and Lucas to run the break when possible, something Efes did little of last year. Also look for Mahmuti to deploy a lock-down defensive duo in Lucas and Guler, not to mention young back-up Dogus Balbay.
THE FRONTCOURT
Veteran experience defines the Efes big men, beginning with rebounding specialist Kerem Gonlum and inside scorer Ermal Kuqo, two long-time stalwarts in blue. Scoring length in the person of Stanko Barac will get its complement in defense from Semih Erden, while power forward Dusko Savanovic can move outside or inside as needed. Quick-footed Esteban Batista caps off a six-deep group that should be one of this team's long-term strengths.
OUTLOOK
As the third-worst scoring team in the Euroleague last season, Efes this summer filled needs like speed, scoring options and perimeter defense. It also added to an already-sizeable frontcourt. Coach Mahmuti has always produced good defenses, and with exterior speed and interior muscle, this team should be no exception. More and easier scoring is key for Efes. If it happens, this team can go far.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Dusko Savanovic
Between a speedy perimeter and a banger-oriented frontcourt, the multi-faceted Savanovic will be an important hinge player. His ability to adapt as a passer, shooter, rebounder or post-up threat should keep opponents from taking away this team's strengths. That adaptability is why he saw more minutes than all but six other Euroleague forwards last season and why his role is crucial in helping Efes become a team that can win at any pace. |
|
|