Alper Yılmaz is one of the prominent figures in Turkish basketball, known both as a player and an executive. During his professional playing career, he played for several major clubs, and later held active roles in the administrative structure of Anadolu Efes for many years. As of 2023, he was appointed as the Sporting Director of the Turkish Basketball Federation, assuming responsibilities at the national team level.

Teams and Playing Career

Throughout his playing career, Alper Yılmaz played for various clubs. He served as a point guard on the court, a position that carries responsibility for game organization and court vision. The teams he played for include TED Ankara Kolejliler, Tuborg Pilsener, Efes Pilsen, Türk Telekom, Beşiktaş, Ülkerspor, and Galatasaray.

Executive Career

After retiring from professional basketball, Alper Yılmaz pursued a career in management, most notably within the Anadolu Efes Sports Club. He began working at the club in 2009 and was promoted to the position of General Manager in 2012. During his tenure, he was responsible for the club’s administrative structuring and roster planning.

His tenure as an executive at Anadolu Efes came to an end in 2023. In a public statement regarding his departure, it was announced that the club had parted ways with Yılmaz and that Tomislav Mijatovic would be his successor.

Turkish Basketball Federation

In November 2023, Alper Yılmaz was appointed as the Sporting Director of the Turkish Basketball Federation. With this appointment, he became responsible for the Federation's sporting structure, including the Turkish Men’s National Basketball Team.

Following his appointment, he stated that he accepted the role “with honor and a strong sense of responsibility,” and emphasized his commitment to contributing to the national team and Turkish basketball as a whole.

At the Federation, the Sporting Director role includes coordinating with national team coaching staffs, managing the player pool, overseeing preparation processes, and supporting the structural and athletic development of the national team—particularly the men’s senior team.

Contributions

Alper Yılmaz has earned respect in the Turkish sports community as someone who has contributed to the growth of basketball both on the court and behind the scenes. As an executive, his role in Anadolu Efes’ success in the EuroLeague has been particularly notable. In his position at the Turkish Basketball Federation, he is expected to support the development of young talent and the restructuring of the national team.

As of 2023, Alper Yılmaz continues to serve as the Sporting Director of the Turkish Basketball Federation, playing an active role in organizational and strategic decision-making at the national team level.