Turkey’s national basketball team opened their EuroBasket 2025 campaign with a commanding victory over host nation Latvia in Riga, winning by a 20-point margin. The performance highlighted the strength and depth of the Turkish squad, led by rising NBA star Alperen Şengün and seasoned figures such as Cedi Osman. While the triumph on the court lifted spirits, an unusual controversy at Riga Airport cast a shadow over the team’s arrival and dominated conversations even after the final buzzer.
Tense arrival at Riga Airport
The Turkish delegation faced unexpected challenges upon landing in Latvia. Hours-long delays at passport control left the players and officials frustrated. According to those present, local security staff appeared unusually strict, repeatedly questioning members of the team despite their official status as participants in a major European competition.
One of the more bizarre moments came when Alperen Şengün, fresh from signing a 180-million-dollar contract with the Houston Rockets, was asked by airport staff how much money he was carrying. The incident, described by some team members as both frustrating and comical, underscored the tense start to Turkey’s EuroBasket campaign.
Even after their emphatic victory, players and officials were still discussing the airport ordeal. The frustration was shared by Turkish Basketball Federation President Hidayet Türkoğlu, who reportedly considered filing a formal complaint to FIBA about the behavior of Latvian security staff.
A win that lifted the mood
Despite the chaos off the court, Turkey’s performance in the opening match provided the perfect response. Playing with intensity and focus, the team dismantled Latvia’s defense and showcased their potential as one of the dark horses of the tournament.
Alperen Şengün, in particular, stood out as the star of the night, combining strength in the paint with clever passing and rebounding. Cedi Osman, despite being unable to share in one of the team’s pre-game rituals, also played a vital role, proving once again his importance to the national side.
The 20-point win not only boosted morale but also signaled to the rest of Europe that Turkey intends to be a serious contender in this year’s competition.
The unusual baklava ritual
One of the more light-hearted stories surrounding the game came in the form of a culinary tradition. Ahead of the Latvia match, the Turkish squad was gifted trays of baklava that had been blessed, continuing a unique ritual that first gained attention during the Final Four basketball tournament.
Back then, Mustafa Varank had presented “read” baklava to Fenerbahçe’s Ali Koç, and the tradition seems to have found its way into the national team. Before tip-off in Riga, players enjoyed the sweet pastry as part of their preparation.
Alperen Şengün reportedly ate the most and went on to become the standout player of the match. Cedi Osman, who has an allergy to baklava and therefore abstained, also delivered a strong performance. The coincidence added humor to post-match conversations, leaving fans to jokingly wonder whether baklava might be the secret ingredient behind Turkey’s winning energy.
Hidayet Türkoğlu’s mixed emotions
While the victory over Latvia delighted the Turkish camp, Federation President Hidayet Türkoğlu experienced a bittersweet night. A lifelong Fenerbahçe supporter, Türkoğlu was still reeling from the club’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers at the hands of Benfica.
He shared with close colleagues that Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç had called him before the Latvia game to wish the national team success. Yet the disappointment of seeing his beloved club fail to qualify for Europe’s top football tournament weighed heavily, even as he celebrated the basketball team’s triumph.
Why Turkey’s start matters
The strong start to EuroBasket 2025 could prove crucial for Turkey’s overall campaign. Early wins not only provide confidence but also reduce pressure in later group-stage matches. For a squad balancing established stars with younger talents, the victory in Riga was an ideal launchpad.
Moreover, the resilience shown in overcoming off-court distractions and delivering a composed performance on the floor reflects the maturity of the team. Coach and players alike emphasized focus, discipline, and unity, qualities that will be essential if Turkey is to progress deep into the tournament.
Symbolism beyond basketball
The events in Riga highlight the broader narrative of Turkish sport at the moment. On one hand, the national basketball team’s success reflects the growth of basketball in Türkiye and the rising influence of players like Alperen Şengün on the global stage. On the other hand, the struggles of Fenerbahçe in football remind fans of the ongoing challenges faced by Turkish clubs competing in Europe.
For many supporters, the night was a mix of pride and frustration — joy at watching the national basketball team dominate, tempered by sadness over Fenerbahçe’s Champions League exit.
Looking ahead
Turkey’s EuroBasket 2025 journey has only just begun, but the signs are promising. With Alperen Şengün and Cedi Osman leading the charge, the team appears capable of competing with Europe’s best. The victory against Latvia is just the first step, yet it sets a positive tone for what could be a memorable tournament.
Off the court, the controversies surrounding airport security and the light-hearted baklava ritual will likely remain talking points. They add color to a campaign that already carries weight as a test of Türkiye’s basketball potential on the continental stage.
Editor’s note Beyond the scores and statistics, the night in Riga was about resilience and symbolism. From airport frustrations to sweet rituals, Turkey’s basketball team showed that unity and spirit can overcome distractions, leaving fans hopeful for the road ahead in EuroBasket 2025.
