Semih ERDEN
#9 | Center

Even at 211cm, Erden is sometimes underestimated defensively because people don’t take into account his 222cm wingspan.

With his long arms and quick feet, he is a blanket in the paint reaching every shot and disrupting the offense at every turn.

The 24-year-old is also a good rebounder and despite having a lean body has been dubbed the “Great Wall of Turkey”.

Erden’s problem tends to be that he was a little too laid back and content with what he had already achieved. 

But four years ago, his club team coach Aydın Örs lit a fire under him and with a better understanding of the game, he found renewed focus.

His offense is still raw but he has developed an above average jump hook in the low post and a mediocre mid-range shot.

Also his partnering with Oğuz Savaş helped to develop a deadly two-man game in the paint, and their passes to each other produce many easy baskets.