To the surprise of few, Allen “Mr. Answer” Iverson did not play with Beşiktaş Cola Turka against Oyak Renault last night. (Come on, the dude’s probably not over the jetlag yet, much less ready for the game plan.)
Team manager Murat Murtezaoglu informed the Associated Press that Iverson “did not feel ready” to play.
No matter: Beşiktaş handled Oyak, 87-81, as Iverson watched the other half of the team’s prospective backcourt, Mire Chatman turn in a monster 34-point, 10-rebound, eight-assist performance while leading the Black-and-White in a fourth-quarter comeback.
Better for publicity and strategic purposes, then: “Murtezaoglu said he expects Iverson to make his debut at Beşiktaş’ European Cup home game against Hemofarm Stada on Tuesday.” The game represents the Turkish side’s Eurocup opener against the 2009-10 Serbian Super League runners-up in one tough-looking Group B (Asvel Basket and BG Göttingen round out the pool).
Tip off is scheduled for 6.30pm CET (12.30 EST) Tuesday night, and BallinEurope is now soliciting suggestions as to how to get the game on live stream; more information on possible IPTV viewing will be posted here on Tuesday.
