Full Name: Hidayet Turkoglu
Position: F
Born: 03/19/79
Height: 6' 10"
Weight: 220 lbs.
From: Turkey
Spokesmen: UNICEF Trick-or-Treat spokesperson
Charity: Worked as a counselor and coach at the 2002 Basketball Without Borders camp in summer of 2002 in Istanbul to help promote friendship and understanding through sport; Participated in the Kings’ TeamUp and youth basketball clinic programs and has served Thanksgiving Dinner to families in need at the TLC Soup Kitchen
Hobbies: reading, listening to music, watching movies and playing video games
Interesting Note: Generally plays "a couple of weeks" in each pair of basketball shoes
Started Playing: basketball at age 10
Future with the Spurs: Turkoglu was one of eight players protected in the expansion draft. The Orlando Magic have reportedly offered him a 6-year $39 million deal. As a restricted free agent, San Antonio can match the offer but it is unlikely that they will. (Link)
Career Highlights:
-- First Turkish-born player in NBA history
-- Named to the 2000-01 Schick All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 5.3 ppg and 2.8 rpg in 74 games
-- Ranks fourth on the Kings all-time list in career three-point field goal percentage with a .358 mark
-- Has seen action in 34 playoff games, averaging 7.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 22.3 minutes in the post-season
-- Participated in the 'got milk?' Rookie Challenge, finished second in the Fleer Shootaround, and led the Sacramento team to the inaugural 3-on-3 989 Sports Hoop-it-Up championship at 2002 NBA All-Star Weekend in Philadelphia
-- Played four seasons in the Turkish Professional League with Efes Pilsen (1996-2000)
-- Led his squad to the 2000 EuroLeague Final Four, averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 22 tournament games
-- Has played for the Turkish National Team each of the last three summers.
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