Ex-Fenerbahce, Besiktas basketball player Ilkan Karaman dies at 34 in traffic accident
Turkish basketball player Ilkan Karaman. (AA Photo)
Former Turkish national basketball player Ilkan Karaman, 34, tragically died in a traffic accident in Datca, Mugla.
Karaman, who played for several top-tier Turkish and European teams, including France’s Cholet, was struck by a vehicle while standing on a sidewalk.
Reports indicate the driver, allegedly intoxicated, lost control and hit Karaman, resulting in his death at the scene.
Karaman, a well-known figure in Turkish basketball, had an extensive career, playing for teams such as TOFAS, Pinar Karsiyaka, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas, among others. His most recent team was Cayirova Belediyespor.
Condolences from basketball community pour in
The Turkish Basketball Federation expressed deep sorrow over Karaman’s death, issuing a statement:
We have learned with deep sadness of the passing of İlkan Karaman, one of our former national team players. As the Turkish Basketball Federation, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and the entire basketball community. May he rest in peace.
Leading clubs, including Fenerbahce and Besiktas, also shared their condolences. Fenerbahce, where Karaman played between 2012 and 2014, released a statement saying:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our former national player, İlkan Karaman. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and the basketball community. May he rest in peace.
Besiktas, where Karaman played during the 2016-2017 season, expressed similar sentiments:
We are greatly saddened to hear of the passing of İlkan Karaman, who wore our jersey during the 2016-2017 season. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, loved ones, and the entire basketball community.
Former Turkish basketball player and current Chairman of the Turkish Basketball Federation, Hidayet Turkoglu, expressed his condolences: “I am deeply saddened to learn that Ilkan Karaman, who also played for our national teams, has passed away in a tragic traffic accident. May God have mercy on him. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and our basketball community.”
Luigi “Gigi” Datome also shared his condolences on X.
Career marked by success
Born in 1990, Karaman began his basketball career in the Tofas youth system before making a name for himself in the Turkish Basketball League.
He played for several of Türkiye’s top clubs, including Pinar Karsiyaka, Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Istanbul Buyuksehir Belediyespor.
Karaman also gained international experience with Cholet Basket and Antibes Sharks in France.
Karaman represented the national team multiple times, cementing his status as one of Türkiye’s notable basketball talents.
