MERSIN (EuroLeague Women 2017) – Mersin Buyuksehir are continuing to assemble their roster as they make preparations for what will be their maiden foray into EuroLeague Women.

Having competed regularly in EuroCup Women, the Turkish club are now ready to make the step up and have turned to veteran Nilay Kartaltepe to help oversee their campaign on the court, with her veteran know-how likely to be priceless. The guard has a staggering two decades of experience behind her at the top level, having represented her country and most of the leading clubs in her homeland.

Kartaltepe last played in the competition back in 2010 for Galatasaray and she will be joined by another ex-performer at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in the shape of Gulsah Gumusay who played with the Istanbul powerhouse for three consecutive seasons between 2011 and 2013. Gorkem Ertas has completed a switch from Hatay BSB and shooting guard Gokce Dogan makes a return to Mersin, having competed on the other side of the Bosphorus last season with Fenerbahce.

One of the main drivers behind the first EuroLeague Women campaign is likely to be Cheyenne Parker who will make her debut in European basketball. The Chicago Sky forward brings experience of the WNBA and also played in China last season at Henen Yichuan.

She will link up with other WNBA performers in Tiffany Hayes and Marissa Coleman who were previously confirmed on the roster, along with Lithuania national team leader Gintare Petronyte, Swedish guard Frida Eldebrink and center Kristen Vatansever who has played for Turkey in a EuroBasket Women Final.

FIBA