Cedi Osman is a promising young player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the organization should be thrilled with how he’s playing overseas. The second-year Cavs forward notched 18 points and 6 rebounds in Turkey’s FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers. Osman was the leading scorer for Turkey and his performance helped secure a 79-69 victory over the tiny nation, Montenegro.
The 23-year-old led the way for his squad as they fight to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2019. Turkey currently sits just below Spain in a tie for second place with Latvia in Group I.
Many teams wouldn’t want their young players traveling all the way overseas to play in these qualifier games, but this competition can help Osman find his rhythm as he heads into training camp.
Osman will be asked to take on a much bigger role this season following the departure of LeBron James. Osman will even have the opportunity to start for Cleveland if he can acquit himself well enough during training camp and the preseason.
But before Osman worries about the Cavs, he has one more game to play in Europe. Osman and company will face Slovenia in Ljubljana, Slovenia on Monday at 2:00 p.m. ET. Slovenia is currently in last place in their group and the Slovenians have a huge hill to climb if they want to make the Basketball World Cup.
The four qualifiers for Turkey after they take on Slovenia will take place during the NBA season so Osman will not be able to take part for his home country.
