Basketball player Shane Larkin announces his retirement from Turkey's national team following the EuroBasket 2025 tournament where they secured the silver medal.
Shane Larkin, the Turkish-American professional basketball player, has announced the end of his international career after leading the Turkish squad to a silver medal at EuroBasket 2025.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1992, Larkin moved to Europe in 2016 to join Baskonia. Two years later, he signed with Anadolu Efes in Turkey, where he became one of the club's all-time greats, winning EuroLeague titles, earning MVP honours, and breaking multiple records.
Larkin was a vital member of the Turkish squad that won the silver medal at EuroBasket 2025. His leadership, passion, and the deep bond he formed with Turkey were evident throughout the tournament.
After obtaining Turkish citizenship, Larkin represented the Turkish national team with pride. He underlined that the journey itself and the connection with the people of Turkey would remain unforgettable. In fact, Larkin admitted that the connection with the people of Turkey was worth more than any medal.
"I will always and forever be one with you. From the bottom of my heart, I love you. Thank you Turkey," Larkin wrote in a farewell message on social media.
Larkin's basketball career began in the NBA, where he played for the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics. He was selected 18th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite falling short of the ultimate goal of winning gold at EuroBasket 2025, Larkin acknowledged the disappointment but emphasised that the support, acceptance, and love he received from fans and teammates meant a lot to him.
Larkin played college basketball at the University of Miami before embarking on his professional career. As he hangs up his international basketball boots, Larkin thanked his teammates, coaches, and everyone who played a role in this chapter of his career.
As Larkin considers Turkey as his "second home," it is clear that his love for the country and its people will remain strong, even as he moves on to new chapters in his life.
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