Yucel: Besiktas seeks to consolidate in Euroleague

Besiktas has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years under the leadership of coach Dusan Alimpijevic. Nedim Yucel, the general manager of the Turkish team, detailed in an interview with the club's official magazine the goals and strategy to establish the team as a reference in the Euroleague, a competition they will participate in after receiving a one-year invitation.

Yucel explained that when he took over, the basketball department was in a critical state. His main mission was to rebuild the sports structure and revive the club's historical spirit. One of the immediate objectives was to have Besiktas back in the Euroleague, a dream that has materialized after years of constant work.

The team's progress has been evident in recent seasons. In the first season of the current project, Besiktas reached the semifinals of the Turkish League. Subsequently, they made it to the Turkish Cup finals in two consecutive seasons. The last season marked a qualitative leap, with the team competing in the finals of the Turkish League, the Turkish Cup, and the Eurocup, demonstrating consistent growth.

Alimpijevic's Renewal and Trust in the Project

Extending Dusan Alimpijevic's contract until the 2027-28 season reflects the club's confidence in his work. Yucel emphasized that the most important criterion for this renewal was the team's constant progress since the coach's arrival. The ability to improve year after year was the clearest sign that the club was on the right track.

The relationship between Yucel and Alimpijevic has solidified after almost seven seasons of working together. The general manager underscores that they function like a family, respecting each other's responsibilities and openly sharing opinions. Managing the team's structure and player selection is done through a shared decision-making process, always prioritizing collective success.

Alimpijevic's work ethic, focus on player development, and ability to create a competitive team identity align perfectly with Besiktas' vision. These aspects were crucial in the decision to extend his association with the club.

European Ambition and Long-Term Consolidation

Now that Besiktas has gained access to the Euroleague, the goal is to demonstrate the ability to remain in the elite beyond a single season. Yucel is clear: it's not about reaching the top once but about staying at that level for many years. True success lies in sustained presence, not in isolated achievements.

The general manager emphasizes that securing a long-term spot in the competition will depend on multiple factors beyond sporting results. Financial sustainability, professional management, sponsorships, and active fan participation are key elements in building a lasting project. Besiktas views their Euroleague invitation not as a one-season opportunity but as the beginning of a permanent structure that will allow them to compete at the highest level in Europe for years.

Yucel acknowledges that being admitted to the Euroleague for a year is a great opportunity but also entails a huge responsibility. The club's goal is to demonstrate its value to the competition in every way, positioning itself as a serious and professional organization deserving of staying in the continental elite.

Squad Strategy and Preparation for the Euroleague

Besiktas' philosophy in building its squad is not based on investing large sums of money but on creating a cohesive team with the right players. Yucel explains that the club aims to use its budget efficiently, selecting players who align with the objectives, playing philosophy, and character of the club. They evaluate a player not only based on individual skills but also carefully analyze their character and compatibility with the project.

Besiktas has shown the ability to compete successfully against clubs with higher budgets. This experience allows them to maintain a pragmatic and adaptive approach to meet the demands of the Euroleague. Rotation depth and physical endurance will be especially crucial due to the demanding schedule of the European competition.

Yucel points out that the most significant difference in the Euroleague lies not only in the individual quality of players but in the season's intensity, match calendar, and overall level of competition. In the Euroleague, there are high-level matches almost every week, requiring specific preparation and a squad with enough depth to sustain performance throughout the campaign.

Positioning on NBA Europe and Cooperation with Euroleague

Yucel also commented on the NBA's plans for a new European competition. He welcomed this project, acknowledging it as a significant and exciting advancement for European basketball. However, he expressed his opinion on the best way to implement it.

According to the Besiktas general manager, while the NBA is one of the most powerful sports organizations globally, the Euroleague already has a solid and established structure. Nearly all clubs competing in it have long-term agreements, indicating institutional strength. Therefore, Yucel believes that if the NBA's goal is to create a permanent and successful organization in Europe, it would be more appropriate to do so in cooperation with the Euroleague rather than in direct competition.

This stance reflects Besiktas' strategy of building on strong foundations and established structures, rather than seeking shortcuts or improvised solutions. The Turkish club sees the Euroleague as the suitable framework for their long-term European development.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Yucel: Besiktas busca consolidarse en Euroliga