Australian basketballer features in World Championships promotion

Australian Andrew Bogut is 1of 3 players whose image is being used in Turkey to promote the August event.

Young Australian basketballer Andrew Bogut, who is presently carving out a career for himself in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks, is featuring prominently in the promotional campaign being run by the Turkish Basketball Federation for this years Men's World Championships.

Bogut is joined by Kobe Bryant and Turkish star Ersan Ilyasoua in the campaign tagged "Giant Get Together".

With all the basketball superpowers of the world now assembled in the 24 team draw, we can be certain of a fantastic festival of basketball in Turkey in August.

FIBA Oceania Secretary General Steve Smith, who returned from Turkey in December is full of anticipation for this year's World Championships.

"Having been involved in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Championships, I can assure you there is an air of excitement in the country for the event. I was delighted when I got off the plane in Istanbul to see a massive poster promoting the World Championships in 2010.  Several of the main thoroughfares in the city also have street posters announcing the dates of the Championships and promoting the personalities" Smith said.