Our friend and passionate reader Kerem Oktemus from Turkey send us a little update on the Turkish league and its current hottest team, Oyak Renault.
At the start of the year Oyak Renault, from the city of Bursa coached by well known Yucel Platin, was headed for a major disaster. It seemed as though the team was definitely headed for division two with close losses and lack of enthusiasm in some games. But as the year rolled on, Renault started to win games one by one, and entered the second phase of the Turkish cup.
After qualifying for the Final 8 in the Cup, they beat Fenerbahce in the quarter finals with unselfish play, and pulled the greatest upset of the year by beating Efes Pilsen. But the Cinderella story had to finish there as they faced Turk Telekom in the Finals and lost. The team’s leader was Andre Wooldridge throughout the year, as the 35 year old guard led the team not only with his great ability to take over games, but averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds and 3 dimes throughout the year.
He was surrounded by clubs native young players along with Monwell Randle (Played for Cholet three games last year) and Richard Chaney. The 23 year-old Chaney is a good perimeter defender and he can jump out the gym (Saw him live pulling a rebound above the rim, crazy hops!); having enjoyed his first season overseas at the Bursa club, averaging 31 mpg., 11 points and 8 rebounds along with a block per game.
Chaney has his ups and downs just like Andre, but look out for him in a more known team next year as he’s young and would be a good role/bench player for a team who’s looking for success in Europe. Renault has also been on a winning streak in the League as they beat Galatasaray (Uleb Cup Semi- Finalist) last week in OT thanks to Andre Wooldridge’s huge performance (28 points, making 6 3s along with 3 assists and rebounds). If they win away next week they will be eligible for the playoffs matching against the league’s leader from the 8th spot, Besiktas ColaTurka.
So I guess we can call that ironic huh? A team from the bottom rises and pounds powerhouses to reach the Turkish cup finals and now maybe even the playoffs. Good luck!
More notes from the Bosporus:
- Quentin Hosley, forward who’s on every European powerhouse’s wish list for next year, was injured for 2 games but he will be able to play in the playoff as the İzmir side will match up against Fenerbahce.
- Ever since Omer Asık arrived at Fenerbahce, he has been lost under the radar as Tanjevic killed his ability to score, and you can call him another victim of the coach as he joins the list next to Preldzic. No NBA for him this year.. Before FB: 35 minutes, 15 points, 11 rebounds. 2 blocks and 2 dimes.. After FB: 20 minutes, 7 points.. The rest is history!
Well I (Christophe) have to add, Omer Asik is now playing for a Top 3 team while playing before for a go-down candidate (Alpella). This may also be a reason. Don’t always blame the coach.
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