Team 2008-09: FENERBAHÇE ÜLKER (Turkey-TBL)
Career: Darüşşafaka (Turkey-TBL 2002-04), Partizan Belgrade (Serbia&Montenegro-Adriatic League, 2004-05), Fenerbahçe (Turkey-TBL, 2005-06), Fenerbahçe Ülker (Turkey-TBL, 2006-09)
Even at 2.12 m, Erden is sometimes underestimated defensively because people don't take into account his 2.22m wingspan. With his long arms and quick feet, he is a blanket in the paint, reaching every shot and disrupting the offense at every turn. The 23-year-old is also a good rebounder and despite having a lean body has been dubbed the "Great Wall of Turkey". Erden's problem tends to be that he was a little too laid back and content with what he had already achieved. But three years ago coach Aydın Örs lit a fire under him and with better understanding of the game he found focus. His offense is still raw but he has developed an above average jump hook in the low post and a mediocre mid-range shot. Also his partnering with Oğuz Savaş helped to develop a deadly two-man game in the paint, and their passes to each other produce many easy baskets.
