Alperen Sengun’s Coach Sends Strong Warning to Nikola Jokic as Chaos Predicted in EuroBasket

Türkiye head coach Ergin Ataman is not shying away from bold statements ahead of his team’s highly anticipated EuroBasket 2025 showdown with Serbia. Speaking after Türkiye’s strong group phase start, the three-time EuroLeague champion made it clear that Nikola Jokić and Serbia remain the ultimate target.

“Of course, we’ll try to beat Serbia and secure a matchup with the 4th place team from the other group,” Ataman said. “But even if we lose, it doesn’t mean we’ll fall short of our medal goal. Our real target is beating Serbia in the final.”

Serbia, undefeated so far, is adjusting to life without captain Bogdan Bogdanović, who suffered a tournament-ending hamstring injury against Portugal. While Jokić has been dominant—dropping 39 points in a thriller versus Latvia—analysts warn that Serbia’s overreliance on him could be tested against deeper opponents like Türkiye.

Ataman, meanwhile, has Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün thriving, alongside Shane Larkin, Cedi Osman, and other NBA and EuroLeague talents. Türkiye’s 95–54 rout of Portugal, fueled by Şengün’s 20-point first half, highlighted their offensive firepower.

With both teams unbeaten in Group A, the September 3 clash promises chaos, intensity, and perhaps a preview of a medal-round rematch.

(this is a building story…)

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