When discussing dominance, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name tops the list. He has ruled the NBA hardwood with unparalleled prowess and captured the hearts of Milwaukee Bucks fans in the same manner. Now, as the flagbearer of Greece, he carries the nation’s dreams of a EuroBasket title reminiscent of their 2005 triumph. However, achieving this feat will not be easy, as Alperen Sengun’s Turkey is fiercely contesting in the semifinals.

Greece is fighting for a spot in the Finals with Antetokounmpo standing tall as their beacon of hope. But Turkey is on a mission of their own—carrying the ambitions of a country hungry for a win since their memorable silver medal run in 2001.

The most compelling aspect of this story is that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket 2025 dream seems to be nearing an end because of Ercan Osmani. The 27-year-old forward has not only stolen the spotlight from big NBA names but also dominated the Riga Arena like never before. Osmani contributed 18 points, hitting all 4 of his three-pointers, along with 4 rebounds in the first half of the semifinals, helping Turkey build a commanding 49-31 lead over Greece by halftime.

Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists in Greece’s 68-point effort against Turkey’s 94-point victory. His teammate, Kostas Sloukas, added 15 points to the Greek cause. On the Turkish side, Alperen Sengun scored 15, Cedi Osman tallied 17, Shane Larkin put up 14, and Ercan Osmani dazzled with a game-high 28 points. Now, Turkey will face Dennis Schroder’s Germany in the EuroBasket 2025 Finals on Sunday, September 14, while Greece prepares to battle Finland for the bronze medal on the same day.

It seems clear that Osmani will be taking the Player of the Day title home. There cannot be another name on that list for the mammoth game he put up. Therefore, it becomes somewhat necessary to know who this 27-year-old is.

Who is Ercan Osmani, the eyesore for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket 2025 heartbreak?

Turkey’s seven-game winning streak in Riga has put them in medal-favorite territory, but history serves as a reminder that momentum alone doesn’t guarantee glory—dating back to 1957 when a similar streak in the Classification Round ended in ninth place. If Turkey is now stepping closer to a podium finish, much of the credit goes to Osmani, who single-handedly turned Giannis’s EuroBasket dreams into a tragic defeat.

Born August 4, 1998, in Bajram Curri, Albania, Osmani carved his path through youth basketball in Kosovo with Junior 06 under coaches Ramush Rushiti and Bashkimi from Prizren. His professional career began with Teksüt Bandırma before signing a two-year contract with Beşiktaş in 2020. He then spent a season with Darüşşafaka in 2022–23 before joining reigning Turkish league champions Anadolu Efes in 2023. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and playing as a power forward/center, Osmani’s combination of size, shooting, and defensive prowess was critical in Turkey’s triumph over Greece.

On the international stage, Osmani chose to represent Turkey, embracing a pivotal role with the senior national team. His inclusion in the EuroBasket 2022 roster signaled recognition of his talent and discipline. Standing tall for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish league and EuroLeague, he now blends experience and versatility, showcasing a career shaped by persistence, strategic moves, and steady progression.

The storm for Giannis Antetokounmpo will return as soon as EuroBasket concludes, with the Greek superstar heading back to the Milwaukee Bucks as the NBA season beckons. While Giannis carries the NBA crown back in Milwaukee, it was in Riga where Ercan Osmani stole the spotlight, becoming the undeniable anthem of Turkey’s charge into the Finals. Meanwhile, Greece must settle for bronze dreams. This twist of fate leaves Giannis bruised, Sengun smiling, and Osmani rewriting the basketball narrative. Now, all eyes turn to Sunday, awaiting the crowning of a new king.