Frédéric Dusart appointed as Turkey's coach

Frédéric Dusart has been named the new head coach of the Turkish national basketball team, effective Monday, October 19. He will lead the team ranked 17th in the FIBA world rankings in its attempt to qualify for the EuroBasket 2027 tournament.

Contract based on performance goals

Dusart’s contract with the Turkish Federation is conditional on achieving specific goals. If these are met, he will continue coaching; if not, the partnership could end. His first objective is to guide Turkey to one of the top two positions in its EuroBasket 2027 qualification group.

Challenging group and recent setbacks

Turkey’s qualification group includes Montenegro, Poland, and Israel. This task is particularly challenging after the team’s elimination in the first round of the 2026 World Cup, where it lost three consecutive matches. The Turkish Federation has replaced its previous coach, Andrea Mazzon, who had been in the role for just one year.

Dusart’s selection and influencing factors

Dusart was one of three candidates considered for the role and was approached by a representative of the Turkish Federation. He believes that Galatasaray’s recent victory against Mersin, despite the absence of several key players, may have influenced the decision in his favor.

Dusart’s coaching background and current challenges

Before joining Turkey, Dusart was an assistant coach for the Belgian national team under Mike Thibault. He had the option to continue in that role until the 2028 Olympics but chose to take the head coaching position in Turkey while remaining with Galatasaray.

Balancing national and club responsibilities

Dusart is also managing Galatasaray in the EuroLeague, where the team has struggled despite five wins in their first five league matches. He has had to work with only half his squad due to injuries and player unavailability, complicating his efforts on both fronts.

Recent coaching moves and international experience

Since leaving the Castors Braine in June 2025, Dusart has coached in China, joined Galatasaray, and taken charge of the Turkish national team. This rapid accumulation of international coaching experience is notable for a French basketball coach. His immediate goal is to secure a spot in EuroBasket 2027 to extend his time with the Turkish team.