Turk Telekom Ankara added much-needed experience to its frontcourt by signing veteran center Semih Erden to a one-year deal. Erden (2.10 meters) who turns 36 years of age later this month, has 10 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague seasons and a total of 160 appearances in that competition under his belt. He made his debut back in 2004 with Partizan Belgrade, and has also played in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul, Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Darussafaka Istanbul. For his career, he has averaged 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in the EuroLeague, where he last played in the 2016-17 campaign.
Erden now arrives to the Turkish capital from a fellow Turkish League side Pinar Karsiyaka, where he spent the last three years. Last season, he posted 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in five Turkish League games, and 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in three Basketball Champions League appearances. During his career, Erden also played for Boston and Cleveland in the NBA, as well as Besiktas Istanbul, Hacettepe University Ankara and IBB in Turkey. Erden has been a member of the Turkish national team, and has won silver medal at the 2010 World Cup. He is now set to make his 7DAYS EuroCup debut.