Furkan Korkmaz, one of Türkiye's leading international basketball representatives, emerged from a young age in the Anadolu Efes youth academy and has built a significant career at both the European and NBA levels. A full-time Turkish citizen, Korkmaz has been a member of the national team since his youth academy, playing at shooting guard and attracting attention with his offensive prowess. Having played extensively in the NBA scene in the United States, he continues to contribute to the Turkish National Team.

Birth and Nationality

Furkan Korkmaz was born in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul on July 24, 1997. A full-fledged Turkish citizen, Korkmaz has chosen to play for the national team from the start of his career, playing for the Turkish youth academy before eventually joining the national team. Currently, at both the professional and national team levels, he exhibits a player who is entirely committed to the Turkish youth academy, rather than a mixed background like some Cameroonian players.

The Beginning of a Club Career

Korkmaz joined the Anadolu Efes youth academy at a young age, signing his first professional contract at the start of the 2013-14 season and rising to the senior team. He was a regular in the Turkish Basketball Super League for three seasons, and also earned a spot on the EuroLeague roster, gaining experience in Europe's top-tier club organization. Korkmaz played in both the league and European competitions within the Pertevniyal-backed youth academy system until the 2015-16 season, a period he considered fundamental for his professional development.

His Career in the Countries He Played

• Türkiye (2013–2016): Coming through the Anadolu Efes youth academy and up to the senior team, he played a rotational role on the Turkish Basketball Super League and EuroLeague rosters. Advancing to the league playoffs and competing in the EuroLeague group stages were among his key areas of experience during this period.

• United States (2017–2024): Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2016 NBA Draft, Korkmaz has been a fixture on the NBA scene since 2017. Korkmaz, who played for the 76ers for many years, averaged 6.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game during the regular season. During this time, he continued his adaptation and development by playing time with both the NBA's main roster and G-League organizations.

National Team Career

Korkmaz was called up to the Turkish youth national team for the 2015 FIBA U18 European Championship, where he averaged 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, leading the youth national team to the finals. After being promoted to the senior squad, he also played in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, posting 14.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in five games. This tournament was considered a critical stage in Türkiye's pursuit of an Olympic qualification spot.

Positions

Standing 1.98 m tall and weighing approximately 91 kg, Korkmaz primarily plays the shooting guard position. His key skills include creating an outside shooting threat, capitalizing on open shots in offensive sets, and assuming short-term ball-carrying responsibility in pick-and-rolls. He has also occasionally rotated in the small forward position, providing added depth on offense and wide-area defensive support.

Club Achievements

• NBA Draft Pick (2016): Selected 26th overall in the 1st round by the Philadelphia 76ers

• EuroLeague Participation (2013–2016): Competing in the group stages of the organization with the Anadolu Efes jersey

• TBL Play-off Stage (2014–2016): Playing in the play-offs in the Turkish Basketball Super League

There are no championships, trophies or medals won at club level yet.

National Team Achievements

• 2015 FIBA U18 European Championship: Advancement to the final and silver medal

He has not yet won a medal or a trophy in senior international competitions.