Turkey’s semifinal clash with Greece at EuroBasket 2025 in Riga was billed as a test of whether anyone could slow Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek star had been averaging close to 30 points per game, carrying his country through the tournament. But Turkey turned the script on its head. They jumped out to a 26-16 first quarter lead and never looked back, building a 49-31 advantage by halftime. Giannis, who had dominated opponents all summer, was stuck on just four points at the break.

At the center of that storyline was Ercan Osmani. While Greece searched for answers, Osmani scored 18 first-half points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Turkey’s defense, anchored by Osmani and Alperen Şengün, left Giannis stranded at just eight total points in 31 minutes.

For a semifinal carrying this much weight, the contrast could not have been sharper. That performance has fans asking the same question: who is the big man who just delivered one of the most memorable nights in recent Turkish basketball history?

Who is Ercan Osmani?

Ercan Osmani, also known by his Albanian name Erxhan Osmani, was born on August 4, 1998, in Bajram Curri, Albania. Standing at 2.10 meters, or about 6-foot-10, he plays both power forward and center. Though Albanian-born, he became a naturalized Turkish citizen and now represents Turkey on the international stage. His dual heritage has always been part of his story, but it is his role for the Turkish national team that has put him in the spotlight.

Osmani’s basketball journey started in Kosovo with Junior 06 and Bashkimi Prizren under coach Ramush Rushiti. His early years gave him a foundation in Balkan basketball before he moved into the professional ranks in Turkey. His career began with Bandırma Kırmızı in 2014, where he developed for four seasons. By 2018, he had earned a move to Teksüt Bandırma, stepping up to the Turkish top division.

From there, Osmani kept climbing. In 2020 he signed a two-year contract with Beşiktaş, followed by a move to Darüşşafaka in 2022. A year later, Anadolu Efes, the reigning league champions, added him to their roster. By June 2023, Osmani had secured a long-term future, extending his deal with Efes through 2027. In his first EuroLeague campaign, he averaged 4.4 points and 2.6 rebounds across 23 games, but his best came in flashes, like a 25-point outing against Partizan. His steady rise showed he was ready for a larger role.

Ercan Osmani’s Role in EuroBasket

EuroBasket 2025 was where Osmani’s progress translated into national success. Against Greece in the semifinals, he delivered one of the standout performances of the entire tournament. In the first half alone, he shot 7-of-8 from the floor and drained all four of his three-point attempts, a stretch that forced Greece’s defense to collapse and opened lanes for teammates. His efficiency and composure in a high-pressure setting stunned fans who had expected Giannis to control the game.

Giannis had entered the contest as the competition’s most dominant scorer, but Turkey’s defense contained him from start to finish. Osmani’s mix of inside presence and perimeter shooting disrupted Greece’s rotations. By halftime, he had 18 points while Giannis was limited to just four. That differential told the story of the game. By the final buzzer, Osmani’s stat line read 25 points, five rebounds, and one assist, while Giannis was held to eight points and eight rebounds.

Turkey’s game plan, powered by Osmani’s shooting, gave them their first trip to the EuroBasket final since 2001. Alongside Alperen Şengün, who added 13 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, Osmani was at the heart of a team effort that neutralized Greece’s biggest weapon. It wasn’t just a breakout; it was the kind of performance that rewrites reputations. For a player who had never played on this stage before, Osmani ended Giannis’s tournament and changed the conversation around himself.

What’s Next for Ercan Osmani?

With his EuroBasket heroics, Osmani has cemented himself as a key part of Turkey’s future. Head coach Ergin Ataman now has a versatile big man who can stretch the floor, rebound, and defend multiple positions. That combination is valuable in international play, especially when facing versatile stars like Giannis. For Turkey, Osmani’s emergence provides depth to a lineup already anchored by Şengün, Shane Larkin, and Cedi Osman.

At the club level, Osmani will continue with Anadolu Efes, where he is signed until 2027. His performances in the EuroLeague during the 2023-24 season already hinted at his potential, and his extension showed the trust the club has in him. With more experience, he is expected to grow into a bigger role, building on his EuroBasket confidence. Efes have relied on local talent to complement international stars, and Osmani fits that mold perfectly.

There is also the question of whether Osmani’s name could surface in NBA conversations. Although undrafted in 2020, his combination of size, shooting, and mobility could make him an intriguing option for teams seeking versatile frontcourt players. For now, his focus remains in Turkey and Europe, but his breakout against Greece has placed him firmly on the radar of scouts worldwide. Whether it is international competitions or club basketball, Osmani has shown he belongs at the highest level.