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Ersan IlyasovaTurkish professional basketball player
Date of Birth: 15.05.1987
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Ersan Ilyasova: A Journeyman's Quest for Success
- NBA Draft and Milwaukee Bucks
- European Interlude and Return to Milwaukee
- Trade Carousel
- Atlanta Hawks and Return to Philadelphia
- Milwaukee Bucks and National Team
- Personal Life
Ersan Ilyasova: A Journeyman's Quest for Success
Early Life and CareerBorn in Eskişehir, Turkey in 1987, Ersan Ilyasova began his professional basketball career at the age of 15. After a season with second division club Yesilyurt, he joined Ulkerspor in the Turkish Super League, where he won the Turkish Cup and made his EuroLeague debut.
NBA Draft and Milwaukee Bucks
In 2005, the 18-year-old Ilyasova was drafted 36th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. However, due to his lack of experience, he was assigned to the Tulsa 66ers of the D-League, where he averaged 12.5 points and 7 rebounds per game.
European Interlude and Return to Milwaukee
After one season in the NBA, Ilyasova decided to return to Europe to gain more playing time. He signed a two-year contract with Spanish club Barcelona in 2007, helping them win the Spanish League championship and reach the EuroLeague semifinals in 2009. In July 2009, Ilyasova returned to the Bucks on a three-year, $7 million deal.
Trade Carousel
Over the next few years, Ilyasova became a journeyman, being traded to the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Philadelphia 76ers. He played a significant role for the Thunder during the 2016-17 season, averaging 14.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
Atlanta Hawks and Return to Philadelphia
In 2017, Ilyasova signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Hawks. After half a season, the Hawks waived him, and he returned to Philadelphia, where he played a key role in their run to the playoffs.
Milwaukee Bucks and National Team
In 2018, Ilyasova re-signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He has also represented Turkey at the youth and senior levels, including winning the MVP award at the 2006 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship.
Personal Life
Despite being officially born in Turkey, the Uzbekistan Basketball Federation claims that Ilyasova was born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. He maintains contact with his biological parents, who reside in Crimea.