EuroBasket 2025, which began on August 27, is in its final stages already. The 24-team competition is crammed into just 18 days, with the group-stage sides playing five matches, often on back-to-back days. Turkeys was the first team to seal a quarterfinal berth, but coach Ergin Ataman was not satisfied with the tournament's hectic schedule.
During the post-match conference following Turkey's 85-79 win against Sweden, Ataman went off on the organizers, slamming them for scheduling the game to start at 12 pm.
"That kind of game is very dangerous, especially if you play in the morning," Ataman said. "The last time I played basketball at this level again was in FIBA in 2022, again in Berlin, we played at 12 o'clock, and before that, it was 30 years ago when I was coaching in junior competitions."
Ataman explained how basketball at the highest level could not be played with such hectic schedules.
"For the players, for the sport in a higher level it is very difficult," Ataman added. "For that reason the last two I have been complaining and complaining because this is a very high competition, a very high (level of) basketball we play in the EuroBasket and it is very difficult for me to understand this mentality."
After their Round of 16 match on Friday, Turkey will get a three-day break, the longest they've had in the entire tournament. If they reach further, they will only get two more days of rest before the semifinals and finals.
Ergin Ataman proposes changes to EuroBasket rosters and game time amid tight schedules
Ergin Ataman expressed his frustration with EuroBasket's 12-man squad limit and hectic schedule, suggesting an alternative. After the Round of 16-win , the coach gave his thoughts on the tournament's structure, asking FIBA to thing about progressing the event.
Explaining how a stacked schedule and minimum rosters could affect teams making a deep run, Ataman said:
"I believe that it is time for FIBA to think about some progress for the tournament, not only for the game time," he expressed. "(due to injuries) some teams must play in the final with 8 players, so come on, people are going to the moon. It is time to change something, time to change the regulation, give 14-15 players."
Ataman's sentiment is reflected across all teams, with coaches flustered over the lack of players and hectic schedules.