Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova is one of the big stars of Turkish basketball. He was only 15 when he made his debut for Ulker Spor, and just four year later he won a place in the NBA.

He had already made his mark in Europe. In 2003-2004 he was loaned to second division Yesilyurt in Istanbul. The year after (2004-2005) he made his debut for Ulker with whom he won the Turkish cup and made his Euroleague debut.

At the age of 18 Ersan Ilyasova he had no problem making his way over the water to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was a second round pick in the 2005 draft. His American club suffered a series of major injuries, which meant he was given plenty of chances to shine and win over the confidence of the Bucks selectors.

Internationally, he is one of key figures in the Turkish team, having played at all age levels. In the European Youth Championship of 2005, Ilyasova won the silver medal with his national side and in July 2006 was also a finalist in the Under 20 championship, where he was also named MVP. As a full international, he helped Turkey to a six place finish at the World Championship in Japan, where the whole Turkey side was built around his talents.

PROFILE

Ersan Ilyasova is the first Turkish player to represent FC Barcelona, and with such a promising future, he offers all the signs of being a very astute buy indeed. He was just 19 when he excelled in his maiden season in the NBA, and was the sixth man in the Bucks team for the latter half of the season. Ilyasova has a powerful physique, which makes for a great all-rounder. The small forward has a great throw, making him a useful offensive player despite his size. Ersan Ilyasova is also a comfortable player when playing at a distance from the basket.

HONOURS

Ulker Spor
2004-05 Turkish Cup

Turkish national team
2003 1 runner-up European Youth Championship
2006 1 runner-up European Under-20 Championship
MVP European Under-20 Championship (2006)

OTHER DETAILS

Number 36 pick in second round of 2005 NBA draft by Milwaukee Bucks
International at youth, junior, under 20 and full level for Turkey