OMER Asik played limited minutes for Turkey as he struggled against Canada in the opener of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
The New Orleans Hornets center only played for 10 minutes, finishing with four points and six rebounds in Turkey’s loss to Canada at the Mall of Asia Arena.
[See Canada off to fine start in Fiba OQT but Cory Joseph says they need to work on rebounding]
Turkey coach Ergin Ataman said he took Asik out of the game because he was failing to make his free throws, making just two of his six attempts.
“He was not making his free throws,” said Ataman, whose ward converted his lone attempt from the field.
Ataman stressed the need for Asik to get involved more on offense if Turkey is to advance to the next phase.
“We need him to score. For that reason, I took him out. I hope in the next game of the tournament, he makes his free throws,” Ataman said.
[See Showing no sign of fatigue, Tristan Thompson delivers for Canada in bid for Olympic slot]
Turkey takes a break on Wednesday before taking on Senegal on Thursday.
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