Real Madrid CF has reached an agreement with Ömer Yurtseven, with the center set to be tied to the club through June 30, 2026.
Yurtseven, a Turkish international, won the silver medal at EuroBasket 2025. During his NBA career, he played for the Miami Heat (2021-2023), Utah Jazz (2023-2024), and Golden State Warriors (2026).
Yurtseven: "I'm eager to prove everything I can do and help this team win."
Ömer Yurtseven gave his first interview to Real Madrid TV after signing with the team coached by Scariolo: "I feel great, it's incredible. I was able to talk with Arda Güler and I already told him that I'm very happy to be the second Turkish player at the club".
Objectives with Real Madrid
"I'm eager to prove all my potential and help this team win. The team already has its starting five defined for positions 1 through 4, and this is the perfect opportunity to integrate myself and contribute as much as possible during the playoffs, which are the most exciting part of the season. My goal is to win the ACB. Although I know they have the EuroLeague Final Four ahead, I'm very eager to play in the Liga ACB final".
What can you bring to Real Madrid?
"I think, above all, scoring in the paint and defense. Defense will be my main priority. Both defending the paint and the opponent's pick-and-roll, especially with Sergio (Scariolo) as coach. Scoring in the paint is something I've always done, and I think it will also be useful for the team, because it's something we need in modern basketball."
NBA Experience
"I learned a lot from many coaches. I played three years with the Miami Heat, one year with the Utah Jazz, and last year I spent a month with the Golden State Warriors. Every coach has something different to teach you, but above all, you learn to play with intensity, to be very meticulous, and to always be in the right place at the right time. I think all of this contributes to any level of competition: being meticulous, being disciplined, and always fighting with all your strength".
Real Madrid's City
"So far, it's impressive. I haven't been able to see all the facilities, but everything I've seen so far is incredible. The gym, the courts, the recovery rooms... Incredible."
How are you feeling physically?
"I feel great. When the season ended, I took a few days of rest and now I've returned to training, which has allowed me to stay in shape. Now I need between 9 and 10 days to recover my best competitive rhythm and my physical condition and strength. And then I'll be able to dominate again."
Reasons for Choosing Real Madrid
"Many factors influenced my decision, beyond the club's rich history. The first was the opportunity to play the playoffs and be part of this key moment of the season. Also, the coach and the players they have, like Campazzo and Llull, who are excellent at passing and create opportunities for everyone. Additionally, their style of play is very fluid; they play very well and distribute the ball magnificently. I'm very eager to be part of this system."