Dusart: We are focused on completing all three games in the best possible way

The A Milli Women's Basketball Team will play Montenegro, Israel and Poland in the second round of the FIBA 2027 Women's EuroBasket Qualifiers. Ahead of these games, the team met with the press at a media day. General Manager Arzu Özyiğit, head coach Frederic Dusart and captain Olcay Çakır Turgut made statements.

Reminding everyone that he had just taken over as head coach, Dusart said the main focus was the team itself. The French coach, who sees the Montenegro match as the next step, said the opponent is a difficult team and they expect an interesting game. Dusart stressed that they would not give up on the goal of winning and would not get caught up in details.

Dusart, who served as an assistant coach with the Belgium national team, said he had faced Turkey during that time and knew the players. He said he believes the team has developed a very good chemistry. Dusart noted that he is in contact with Sevgi, Derin and Gökşen, whom he had worked with before, and said he believes the players, Elif included, will adapt to the team quickly.

Olcay Çakır Turgut said that a new coach and a new system create a challenge, but everyone is trying to adapt to the new structure together. Noting that they held two training sessions during the preparation period, Çakır Turgut said they want to start the games in the best possible condition.

Arzu Özyiğit said they want to first secure a ticket to the European Championship and then focus on medal and Olympic goals. Noting that the players came to camp despite playing a match the day before and dealing with aches and pains, Özyiğit stressed that the national team is the greatest responsibility for the players.