FIBA EuroBasket Quarterfinal Preview: Can Šeško and Giannis Lead Their Teams to the Semifinals?
The EuroBasket quarterfinals are set to begin with two exciting matchups: Turkey vs Poland and Lithuania vs Greece. The spotlight is on young star Šeško and Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo—can they guide their teams to the semifinals?
September 9, 22:00 – Turkey vs Poland
After advancing through a tough Round of 16, Turkey and Poland face off in the first quarterfinal, with both teams aiming high.
Turkey hopes to return to the EuroBasket podium for the first time in over two decades, having only reached the semifinals twice before (1949 and 2001). Head coach Ergin Ataman’s well-organized squad aims to stay unbeaten and achieve historic success.
Poland is no stranger to surprises, having reached the semifinals in the last EuroBasket under Ponitka’s leadership. With support from Lloyd, Poland hopes to repeat that feat and challenge Turkey’s star center, Alperen Şengün.
Player Spotlight – Alperen Şengün:
Averages 22 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game
Shooting efficiency: 62.5% from the field, 42.9% from three
Team Comparison:
Turkey: Returning to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2009; won only 1 of 4 previous quarterfinal appearances
Poland: Fourth quarterfinal appearance; attempting to reach consecutive semifinals
Ataman: 67% win rate (12 wins in 18 EuroBasket games), Turkey’s highest-ever win rate coach
Head-to-Head History:
EuroBasket meetings: 2 (Turkey 1 win, Poland 1 win)
2011: Poland 84–83 Turkey
2009: Turkey 87–69 Poland
FIBA Fan Poll: Turkey 86.7% – Poland 13.3%
September 10, 02:00 – Lithuania vs Greece
Next, Lithuania faces Greece in what is being called a classic EuroBasket showdown.
Both nations have rich basketball histories, combining for 12 EuroBasket podium finishes.
The matchup features a marquee clash inside: Valančiūnas vs Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lithuania will enjoy strong fan support in Riga after eliminating host Latvia in the Round of 16, giving them a quasi-home advantage.
Player Spotlight – Giannis Antetokounmpo:
Averages 30 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game
Shooting efficiency: 72.5% from the field, 33.3% from three
Team Comparison:
Greece: Second-best three-point shooting team at 40.7%
Lithuania: Struggles from deep at 27%
Lithuania dominates the boards with 42.2 rebounds per game (most in the tournament)
Greece has limited opponents to over 40 rebounds only once this tournament
Head-to-Head History:
All-time meetings: Lithuania 6 wins – Greece 2 wins
Last meeting: 2023 FIBA World Cup, Lithuania 92–67 Greece
FIBA Fan Poll: Lithuania 28% – Greece 72%
