Turkey's Korkmaz: ''It's always a pleasure to wear the national jersey; I'll be with the team in September''

ANKARA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Young star Furkan Korkmaz's pride in representing his country was on full display in Turkey's thrashing of Sweden to complete a successful third window of the First Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.

The 20-year-old was red-hot early as the hosts stormed out to an early lead before cruising to an easy 77-52 victory to wrap up a convincing home stand after defeating Latvia on Thursday. Korkmaz led the way with a game-high 23 points, highlighted by blistering 3-of-4 shooting effort from beyond the arc as Turkey finished top of Group B with a 4-2 record.

After his stellar performance, the Philadelphia 76ers player talked about his love of representing his country, teaming up with fellow young gun Cedi Osman and Turkey’s Second Round quest.

How important was the third window for Turkey?
These two games were very important for us. We really want to qualify for the World Cup. We worked really hard since we came together. The team showed great effort. It is a different and very proud feeling to play and win these matches in front of our home crowd.

What does it mean for you to represent Turkey?
I think I'm one of the players on this team to understand the value of the national team jersey as I've worn it since my childhood. Of course everybody in the team is aware of the importance of wearing the national team jersey. However, Cedi and I miss Turkey a lot as we continue playing in the U.S. Therefore, playing in Turkey and in front of our fans, is very important for us and we feel good when we are playing in our country. We're sorry that we missed the other games but now we are here and it's always a pleasure to wear the national team jersey and play in our country.

Will you play in the September window to start the Second Round?
Yes I will be with the national team in September.

"I THINK I'M ONE OF THE PLAYERS ON THIS TEAM TO UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF THE NATIONAL TEAM JERSEY AS I'VE WORN IT SINCE MY CHILDHOOD."Korkmaz

How difficult will the Second Round be?
Of course, the Second Round will be more difficult. There are no easy teams at this level. Every team has great and different kind of players in their squads. Now, the important thing is what we will do afterwards. I believe that we will qualify for the World Cup in China.

What is it like playing with Cedi Osman?
I have been playing with Cedi for a long time. I have a good relation with him both on and off the court. I do not know how people view us when we are playing but we have really good chemistry. There is much more between us than what people can see.

FIBA