12 Giant Men Return Home After Historic Achievement – Emotional and Joyful Welcome in Istanbul

12 Giant Men Back in Turkey After European Championship Glory

The story of the 12 Giant Men—Turkey’s national basketball team—took another dramatic turn this summer. After reaching the final of the European Basketball Championship and bringing home a silver medal, the squad landed in Istanbul to a hero’s welcome.

While the loss to Germany in the final left players and coaches heartbroken, the pride of a nation was impossible to ignore. Hundreds of fans greeted the team at Istanbul Airport, waving flags, chanting songs, and showing once again how basketball has the power to unite a country.

This silver medal was Turkey’s first in years at such a high level. It brought back memories of the golden generation of the early 2000s and gave hope that another chapter of glory is just beginning.

“Very Sad, We Missed It by an Inch” – Ergin Ataman Speaks Out

12 Giant Men returned home after historic success – Welcomed with great enthusiasm

Head coach Ergin Ataman, a fiery personality who wears his emotions openly, could not hide his disappointment despite the achievement.

“Of course, winning a silver medal after so many years is a huge success,” Ataman told reporters at the airport. “The Turkish nation is proud of these kids. But personally, I am very sad. History always remembers champions, and we missed that by the smallest margin. I apologize to all our citizens who believed in us, who sat in front of their TVs waiting to see us lift that trophy.”

Ataman, who has guided teams to glory both in Turkey and Europe, admitted that this one stung more than most. He wanted desperately to bring home a gold medal, and the narrow defeat in the final was tough to accept.

“These players carried Turkish basketball back to the top of Europe,” he continued. “I wholeheartedly believe they will one day bring that trophy home. Maybe not today, but soon.”

An Emotional Farewell in Riga, an Emotional Return in Istanbul

Those who watched Ataman at the press conference after the final noticed the tears in his eyes. That emotion carried into his comments in Istanbul.

“Throughout the tournament, we felt the support of our people growing stronger every day,” he said. “These young men carried the Turkish flag with pride until the very last second. I am proud, but also very sad. I dreamed of bringing the championship to our nation. We lost it on the last possession. But what matters is that these kids have made Turkey fall in love with basketball again. For that, I thank them.”

Captain Cedi Osman: “We Felt Your Support for 21 Days”

Cedi Osman

Team captain Cedi Osman, one of the most recognizable faces of Turkish basketball in the NBA, echoed his coach’s feelings.

“For 21 days, we felt your support everywhere,” he said in front of the cameras. “Of course, we wanted to come back here with the trophy, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. What I can promise is that we gave everything we had. We left our hearts on the court. I hope we made you proud, even a little.”

Cedi also highlighted the role of the fans in lifting the team to unexpected heights. “Without your support, it would have been very difficult to get here,” he admitted. “We carried you in our hearts every second.”

Alperen Sengun: “We Will Be Back”

Alperen Sengun

If Osman is the leader, then Alperen Sengun is the rising star. The young center has become a household name in the NBA and continues to grow into his role as Turkey’s basketball talisman.

“Thank you to everyone for your support,” Sengun said, visibly emotional. “We wanted it so badly, we believed, and throughout the tournament we became a family. We fought for each other, for our people, for our flag. It didn’t happen this time. But we are happy to achieve something after so many years.”

He then made a bold promise: “We will be back. The spirit of the 12 Giant Men is back. We are still a young team, and we have many years ahead. One day, we will return with that gold medal. That’s our word to you.”

A Silver That Feels Like Gold

For some, silver medals are a reminder of missed opportunities. But for Turkey, this silver carried the weight of gold.

It symbolized the return of the 12 Giant Men to Europe’s elite. For years, Turkish basketball had struggled to replicate its golden period. Now, with a mix of experienced leaders and youthful energy, the team has proved it belongs on the biggest stage.

The final itself was a heartbreaker. Germany, powered by depth and precision, managed to edge Turkey in a dramatic showdown. Yet, despite the loss, the sight of Turkish fans celebrating in Riga, waving flags and chanting, was proof of what this run meant.

Fans at the Airport: “Proud No Matter What”

The atmosphere at Istanbul Airport was electric. Fans greeted the team with banners, drums, and chants of “Turkiye, Turkiye!” Children wore replica jerseys, while older supporters carried memories of the 2001 European final when Turkey last reached such heights.

Many fans said the same thing: “We are proud no matter what.”

For a country that has always loved basketball but sometimes doubted its place in Europe’s hierarchy, this silver medal brought a renewed sense of belief.

Looking Ahead: The Future of 12 Giant Men

The question now is simple: what next?

Coach Ataman has built a squad that combines the experience of players like Cedi Osman with the raw talent of Alperen Sengun and other youngsters. If they can keep developing, Turkey could be a force in upcoming tournaments, from the next World Cup qualifiers to the 2028 Olympics.

The silver medal is not the end of the journey—it is the beginning of a new era.

Conclusion: A Nation United

When the plane touched down in Istanbul, the 12 Giant Men weren’t just returning with a silver medal. They were returning with renewed hope for Turkish basketball.

Yes, the coach was emotional. Yes, the players were heartbroken. But they also left Riga as heroes, having reminded a country of what basketball can mean.

As Ataman said, history remembers champions. But sometimes, history also remembers those who reignited a nation’s passion. And in the summer of 2025, that’s exactly what the 12 Giant Men did.