'EuroLeague suits the Eagle'

Beşiktaş Fibabanka has eased the disappointment experienced in football this season with its incredible rise. The black and whites, who have attracted attention with their 13-match winning streak in the league and are currently in second place, explained their future goals to SÖZCÜ, according to the head of the basketball department, Özkan Arseven:

Could you please evaluate the season and how it has progressed so far?

Although we had an unfortunate loss in the EuroCup, the final we played in the Turkish Cup and the 13-game winning streak that came after 45 years in the league have earned an important place in Beşiktaş history. We also faced difficulties on the way to this point. For example, we lost an important player like Kelan Martin in the middle of the season. However, thanks to our team spirit and family, we overcame this and if there is no major setback, we will finish the league in second place.

How should Beşiktaş fans prepare for the end of the season?

As Beşiktaş Fibabanka, we played our last Turkish Cup final in the 2011-2012 season when we won three cups. I think we have a similar claim this season. Our fans should know this: We have a team that wants to be on the field in the last match of the season. No matter what the result is, our fans should be ready to be in the stands and support their team during the final.

Is there a possibility of a Wild Card for the EuroLeague?

It is thought that the number of Turkish teams may increase with the return of the Russian teams and the discussion of the 24-team format. EuroLeague officials have verbally expressed the possibility of giving us a Wild Card for the 2026-2027 season. We will try every way to take part in the EuroLeague as EuroCup champions or with a Wild Card.

WE WILL NOT LEAVE ALIMPIJEVIC

Emphasizing that the Serbian head coach and Beşiktaş have a good rapport, Arseven said, “There is a EuroLeague exit clause in his contract. There has been no offer at the moment, even if there was, we want to keep him.”

Is there a EuroLeague possibility for Dusan Alimpijevic? Will he leave the team?

Dusan Alimpijevic is a great person, a passionate coach and a family man. His chemistry with Beşiktaş is perfect. Our fans loved him and he loved Beşiktaş. He has a contract for one more year and there is a certain exit clause if there is an offer from the EuroLeague. But that has not happened yet. Even if it does, we will do our best to keep him.