Turkish women hope for medal at EuroBasket

The Turkish national women's basketball team is hoping for a medal, gold if possible, at the 2015 European Championships in Hungary. Two games this weekend will be crucial for whether the team can take the first step and advance from its group.

Having beaten Poland in its opening game on June 11, Turkey takes on Belarus on June 13 and Greece on June 14 in Group B.

Turkey overcame a seven-point half-time deficit and the absence of superstar Nevriye Y?lmaz to defeat Poland 57-54 in Oradea. Y?lmaz, who reneged on her original decision to retire from international team in order to take part in this tournament, missed the match against Poland due to illness, but is expected to be back on the court against Belarus.

A semifinal finish in last year's FIBA World Championship for Women in front of their home fans sealed Turkish women's powerhouse status in European basketball.

Coach Ekrem Memnun is well aware of the expectations surrounding his team but is heeding a pragmatic approach that has served him well during a successful two-decade coaching career.

"The success of Turkey in recent years creates a lot of expectations," Memnun told the competition's official website.

"We don't care about external pressure because we put pressure on ourselves. I like the concentration levels of our players. They are proud to represent their country," he added.

Memnun enjoyed resounding success at Galatasaray Odeabank after taking the reins in 2012. In 2014, he guided the team to EuroLeague Women glory and a Turkish League title.

But he is till humble about his current post as coach of the Turkish national team.

"I don't know if I am a good national team coach," he said. "It's a dream to represent your country...