{"id":769800,"date":"2026-06-30T11:48:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T11:48:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/769800\/"},"modified":"2026-06-30T11:48:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T11:48:10","slug":"efes-confirms-end-of-an-era-with-shane-larkin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/769800\/","title":{"rendered":"Efes confirms end of an era with Shane Larkin"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Johnny Askounis\/ info@eurohoops.net<\/a><\/p>\n

Anadolu Efes<\/a> has officially bid farewell to Shane Larkin on Tuesday, cementing the end of a legendary eight-year era that transformed European basketball and the EuroLeague.<\/p>\n

The American-born naturalized Turkish point guard confirmed his departure<\/a> a day before the club released an emotional tribute, thanking the icon for turning distant dreams into reality.<\/p>\n

Larkin is now set to join crosstown rival Fenerbahce Beko,<\/a> a blockbuster move that marks a massive roster overhaul in Istanbul.<\/p>\n

2018\u2019de aram\u0131za kat\u0131ld\u0131\u011f\u0131nda, bu yolculu\u011fun bizi nereye g\u00f6t\u00fcrece\u011fini bilmiyorduk. Ama daha ilk g\u00fcnden, buraya sadece basketbol oynamaya gelmedi\u011fin, hayatlar\u0131m\u0131zda \u00e7ok daha fazla yere sahip olaca\u011f\u0131n belliydi.<\/p>\n

Birlikte hayal kurduk ve sonra bu hayaller ger\u00e7e\u011fe d\u00f6n\u00fc\u015ft\u00fc. \u0130ki\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/jQv6CT6pnp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Anadolu Efes<\/a> SK (@AnadoluEfesSK) June 30, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Before taking his talents to Turkiye, the explosive playmaker starred for Miami in the NCAA, earning the 2013 ACC Player of the Year. Selected 18th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, that same summer, he spent four seasons developing his elite speed across stints with the Dallas Mavericks<\/a>, New York Knicks<\/a>, Brooklyn Nets<\/a>, and Boston Celtics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, his true destiny unfolded overseas. Joining Efes<\/a> in 2018, Larkin spearheaded a modern dynasty, guiding the team to back-to-back Turkish Airlines EuroLeague crowns in 2021 and 2022. His tenure was defined by staggering milestones, including a 49-point explosion that was the competition\u2019s single-game scoring record until Nigel Hayes-Davis put up 50 in 2024. Beyond continental glory, he secured three Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi trophies. A naturalized Turkish citizen, he became a national team cornerstone, recently securing a silver medal at the EuroBasket 2025.<\/p>\n

Though a nagging groin injury limited his final 2025\u201326 campaign, his impact on Efes<\/a> remains monumental. In their final statement, the Istanbul outfit praised the departing superstar as an exemplary role model for children and a history-making athlete who will always hold a special place in their hearts as Sugar Shane.<\/p>\n

Read the latest News<\/a><\/p>\n