ISTANBUL (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Turkey needed a wild card to be a part of the 24-team field at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, but no opponents should take them lightly.

The national team has plenty of talent, and ambition.

After playing at home and finishing runners-up to the USA in 2010, the Turks struggled at EuroBaskets 2011 and 2013.

But they are targeting a return to the podium.

"When it comes to our chances in Spain, when you look at the group, finishing second is important," said Harun Erdenay, the general manager of the national side.

To advance to the Round of 16, Turkey need to claim a top-four finish in a Group C that also includes USA, Finland, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine and New Zealand.

"USA is the favorite in the group and the championship," Erdenay said.

"We need to finish ahead of two European teams, Ukraine and Finland, because by being second we'll match up against the third-place team in Barcelona (in the Round of 16) and have a better chance.

"After that, you take it one game at a time.

"With an ambitious coach like Ergin (Ataman) we will be aiming high. (But) There are many good teams."

The first order of business for Turkey and Ataman is the conclusion of the domestic championship.

Ataman, the coach of Galatasaray, is hoping to steer his club past Fenerbahce in a Game 7 decider this week.

He can then, along with the Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF), announce the squad and finalize the preparation plans.

One player deemed to be vital to the cause is 27-year-old forward Ersan Ilyasova.

When he made his senior team bow at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, Ilyasova was but a teenager but he has logged a lot of minutes in the national team shirt since.

Ilyasova missed 27 games in the 2013-14 NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks because of an ankle injury so it remains to be seen if he will be present at the World Cup.

"As for the shaping of our roster," Erdenay said to the Hurriyet Newspaper, "Ersan (Ilyasova's) injury situation is critical.

"Meetings with Milwaukee are ongoing.

"As long as he gets the option from Utah, Enes (Kanter) has said he will come."

Hedo Turkoglu will not be with the team.

The 2.03m forward is a basketball icon in Turkey who announced earlier this year his retirement from the national team.

Some hoped he'd change his mind but he's made it clear that his national team days are over.

"Since 1994 until now, I didn't abandon the national team under any conditions, and I honored that jersey," said Turkoglu.

"I’m 35 years old, I've played in the most national-team games in Turkish sports history.

"Now, I support younger players that can wear this sacred jersey for a long time, and that's why I made this decision.

"I stand by that decision."

Erdenay says there is plenty of talent for Turkey.

"As Ergin said, we have the quality and organization to realize our medal goals," he stated.

Erdenay also addressed the issue of EA7 Armani Milan's Keith Langford, the frontrunner for the naturalized player that Turkey are allowed to fill.

"American Keith Langford is the right choice to be the national team's new naturalized player," Erdenay said.

"When you look at the procedure, taking Langford to Ankara and making him a Turkish (citizen) right away is not easy.

"I can't say that our work is done at this moment, when the coach (Ataman) put forward a name he wanted, we looked at that favorably.

"We have initiated the process, and I hope we see him on the roster."

FIBA