Photo: FIBA Basketball

Shane Larkin, guard for Anadolu Efes and the Turkish national team, shared his thoughts with Eurohoops ahead of EuroBasket 2025.

He reflected on Turkey’s summer preparations, praised rising talents, and discussed changes at his club under new coach Igor Kokoskov.

On the national team, Larkin is impressed by the overall growth: “Everyone has improved. Not just a few players – everyone has taken steps forward, gained experience, and polished their games. This is the most talented roster I’ve been part of in the last five years.”

Highlighting Alperen Şengün, he noted, “Houston let him handle the ball more and become a central offensive player, almost like Jokic. Few players with his size can pass, shoot, and score this efficiently. In FIBA, smart play in tight spaces could make him a top performer and help us medal.”

About the NBA, Larkin sees big potential for Şengün and Kevin Durant: “They’ll be tough defensively. Durant’s shooting over 2.13 meters stretches defenses, and Alperen can run handoffs with him for constant mismatches. The roster is strong and still growing – there’s potential for the next 4–5 years.”

He also praised Adem Bona: “His energy and communication lift the team. He can change a game defensively, and I’m excited to see him grow.”

On Furkan Korkmaz, Larkin said, “He’s talented, hungry, and always active in practice. When healthy and motivated, he can shift momentum for the team.”

Shane Larkin reflected on his summer with the national team, #EuroBasket, the rising performances of Alperen Şengün and Adem Bona, the arrival of Anadolu Efes’ new coach Igor Kokoskov, and much more:https://t.co/6zzfUr6aH3