Ömercan Ilyasoglu is a 2001-born 6’6 point guard from Turkey. He currently plays for Frutti Extra Bursaspor, on loan from Anadolu Efes. He has represented Turkey at several youth tournaments and played a helped lead his nation to a second-place finish at the U18 European Championship in 2019. We got the chance to speak with him about his career and current season.
How did you start playing basketball and what attracted you to the sport?
“Sport played an important role growing up in my family. My father was a professional soccer player. After his retirement, he worked as a coach and executive in the soccer industry. My sister, who is 13 years older than me, played volleyball for the national team. She played more than 15 years as a pro in both Asia and Europe. It was an easy choice to pursue sports. After I found my passion for basketball and realized I had the talent for it, I shaped all my life to succeed in it.”
How would you describe your game and on-court personality?
“I’m a pass-first point guard. I like to create shooting opportunities for my teammates by using the pick-and-roll. I am a good ballhandler, see the court and all the rotations, and I can deliver the ball to the best shooter. I have worked hard on improving my shooting form and this year I have shot the ball well.”
You have both a Turkish and Bulgarian passport. How strong is your connection with both countries?
“I was born and raised in Turkey, but my parents were born in Bulgaria.”
What is it like being coached by Dusan Alimpijevic? What are the differences between him and Ergin Ataman?
“Dusan is a very hardworking and dedicated coach. It is obvious that he thinks a lot about the game. His effect on the team is very satisfying and we are definitely in a better situation. He pushes me very hard and tries to leave a mark on me.”
“The difference between Dusan and Ataman are their methods. Both coaches are very trustworthy towards their players. If you play under Ataman you can only understand what was true if you do things and get his reaction. It’s hard to expect something in one-way relationship with Ataman. You must take action. With Dusan it is different. If you are a good listener and adapt yourself there is no chance to do wrong under his coaching.”
You have quality teammates in Lamar Peters and Marial Shayok. What is it like to play with them? Have they taught you anything?
“Both Shayok and Peters are amazing players. They are amazing people too. Shayok is a great example for a young player like me. His work ethic, personality, and reactions are amazing. There are no words to describe Shayok. Peters is one of the most talented players I have played with. I learned a lot from both of them. I try to watch and learn from them every chance I get. Peters’ physicality and passing ability are one of the best things you can learn.”
You got significant playing time in EuroCup this season. How did you experience playing at that level?
“It was similar to playing tough games against top Turkish teams. It helped me understand different types of offenses and defenses better. Teams used more spacing, moved the ball more, and played at a higher pace.”
What do you want to accomplish during the remainder of this season? What are your goals for next season and beyond?
“The main goal for the remainder of the season is to improve as much as possible and play as many minutes as I can. For next season and beyond, I want to play in Europe. My main goal is to gain more minutes and responsibilities and to improve myself. EuroLeague is definitely my long-term goal.”
Which players do you look up to?
“Guards like Vasilije Micic and Milos Teodosic, who are similar in size to me, are my favorite type of players. I admire them. I also like to watch players of my generation across Europe to see how they develop.”
