ANKARA (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Members of the media from around the world have been in Ankara for the past week to cover Group C of the 2010 FIBA World Championship and will leave with great memories of their time here.

Here is a selection of opinions the journalists shared on the level of play, Turkey’s performance on the court and as hosts.

Pete Tamel (New York Times): “It is a very well run tournament and basketball is played at a very high level in the group. It is going to be really exciting to see how it all plays out. I think that Turkish spectators are unbelievable. You can really feel how much energy they have and how much they get behind their team. It is really one of the most impressive things. They are very good and bigger than I thought. They shoot very well and play well together. It is really a unique experience for me and I have enjoyed it so far.”

Mark Blinch (Reuters): “This organisation is really good. I have not had any problem yet. People are well-organised and I am especially impressed by the fans. I have never seen supporters as dedicated in the NBA or in Europe. I thought that there would be problems during the Greece-Turkey game but it all went well.”

Dimitrios Chrysonthis (Sport24.fr): “I am very pleased with the organisation and everyone has done their jobs perfectly. We have not had any security problems and the volunteers are very helpful. What I observed is that the spectators are amazing. Before the game against Greece, they respected to Greek anthem and supported their team very well.”

Han Yuan (Shanghai Oriental Sports): “It is a huge event and Turkey have handled the organisation very well. The Local Organising Committee has done a very good job. I am happy and excited about being Turkey. The atmosphere for the Greece-Turkey made me feel like I was at Game 7 of an NBA Finals series.”  

Noel Pineiro Planas (El Nuevo Dia): “It is really great to be in Ankara. We have seen some great games and I really enjoyed it. The teams here are so tough and that is why the games were so hard and close. The spectators in Turkey are amazing. They support their team very well. The other teams’ spectators also seemed to have enjoyed themselves.”

Romain Grimaud (Canal France International): “The organisation has gone very well. Officers and volunteers have all been helpful, especially the volunteers who are so friendly. They speak English and that makes it easier to solve problems. I am also impressed by the spectators, they never stop cheering.”

İnes Silva (Medialuso): “I have not had any problems in my time here. Everybody is so nice, kind and respectful. I made good connections here. I like Ankara Sports Hall so much and for every game the spectators filled the hall.”

Yarone Arbel (Yedioth Aharonot): “Everybody is so nice. So far the things are very easy for journalists. The games start on time so it is good for the organising committee. I am Israilian but I am here to watch basketball, good basketball. Turkish people are very nice people. I have many friends in Turkey for many years. This is the first time I have been in Ankara. I have been in İstanbul nine or 10 times.”

LOC

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