Ömer Kutluay makes history by playing in two tournaments in the same summer: 'It's all about passion'

Milli basketball player Ömer Kutluay has achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player to compete in both the FIBA U17 World Cup and the U20 European Championship within the same summer. The 17-year-old, currently part of the Real Madrid youth system, garnered attention for his performance in the U17 World Cup held in Istanbul, where Turkey finished fourth.

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I need to play better defense because this team needs more contribution from me on defense. Here the ball doesn't stay with me that much. Therefore, I need to help the team in other ways.

Kutluay was subsequently included in the U20 National Team's European Championship squad shortly after the U17 tournament. Reflecting on his experiences, Kutluay shared with FIBA that he did not initially expect the call-up for the U20 team but accepted immediately upon receiving the invitation. He is now focused on contributing to the team, acknowledging a need to improve his defensive efforts.

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This is all about passion. I love the game, so I don't get tired.

"I need to play better defense because this team needs more contribution from me on defense," Kutluay stated. He noted that the ball doesn't stay with him as much in the U20 team, requiring him to find other ways to contribute. He also observed that players in this tournament compete at a professional level, leading to more physical matchups.

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The most important lesson we learned is never to give up and keep playing.

When asked about the source of his on-court energy, the young athlete attributed it solely to passion. "This is all about passion. I love the game, so I don't get tired," he said. Kutluay also emphasized that the U17 World Cup should not be viewed as a disappointment despite the fourth-place finish. He highlighted the team's ability to come back from significant deficits, citing a 25-point comeback and closing eight-point gaps multiple times, including in the quarter-finals against France. "The most important lesson we learned is never to give up and keep playing," he concluded.

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Everything is about passion. Just passion.