ISTANUBUL (EuroCup Women 2017) – With new play-caller Marina Maljkovic installed, Galatasaray are turning their attention to assembling a roster that can challenge for both Turkish League and EuroCup Women 2017 silverware.

The former EuroLeague Women winners have made several recent acquisitions, including securing the services of Belarusian star Maryia Papova, Turkey national team wing Pinar Demirok and American guard Yvonne Anderson.

Papova is currently headed for the Olympic Games with Belarus and was instrumental in them punching a ticket with more than eight points and three rebounds per game in Nantes at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The 22-year-old brings handy experience of EuroCup Women for her age, having previously appeared for Olimpia Grodno, Tsmoki-Minsk, Namur and Enisey Krasnoyarsk in the competition.

Meanwhile Demirok will be reeling from the disappointment of not making the cut for Turkey’s final roster for next month’s Olympics, but will be excited with her switch from Agu Spor. She has previously played in the city for Istanbul Universitesi.

Anderson poured in more than 19 points per game last year for Pallacanestro Torino in the Italian League and will make her debut in EuroCup Women, with Galatasaray looking to benefit not only from her scoring prowess, but also her creative ability.

Galatasaray will play in Group C of Conference 1 and match-up with TTT Riga, Dynamo Novosibirsk Region and a team from the EuroCup Women Qualifiers.

FIBA