ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Turkey were one of the best teams at the EuroBasket in Poland in September through the group stages, losing just once.

Imagine how good they’re going to be in front of partisan crowds next year when they host the FIBA World Championship.

“We will be much more successful with our fans in our home,” said point guard Engin Atsür to Sky Türk TV.

Atsür knows what it’s like to play at a FIBA World Championship as he was a part of the team that made a surprising run to the Quarter-Finals three years ago in Japan.

“The 2010 FIBA World Championship is making basketball much more popular in Turkey,” said Atsür.

“Now in Turkey, people are talking about basketball, watching the games. Basketball now stands at the forefront in Turkey. These things are all good for Turkish Basketball.”

Turkey has had experience hosting big tournaments before.

In 2001, the EuroBasket was staged in the country and the Turkish team reached the final before falling to the former Yugoslavia.

Sixteen teams played at that event while next year, there will be 24 national sides taking part.

“The 2010 FIBA World Championship is a very big competition,” said Atsür.

“We will host the championship and it is a great success for Turkey. Getting to host such a big tournament is also a big success for our country.

“Next year, we will have our fans behind us. Turkish players are always emotional.

“Because of this of our fans, I believe we will play much better. All the guys in the team are aiming for the same thing. We want to finish the championship in a good position.”

FIBA