Ersan İlyasova
A versatile Turkish forward who became an NBA mainstay for over a decade, known for his sharp three-point shooting and crafty offensive rebounding.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Turkish basketball player·Birthday: May 15·Millennials
Biography
Ersan İlyasova's path to the NBA was a global tour that forged a uniquely adaptable player. Leaving his native Turkey as a teenager, he cut his teeth in the Spanish league before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks. His game was a blend of European skill and hard-nosed practicality: a reliable three-point shot, a knack for drawing charges, and an almost psychic sense for tracking down offensive rebounds. İlyasova became the quintessential role player, valued by teams for his basketball IQ and professionalism. He had multiple stints with the Bucks, becoming a fan favorite, and also brought his savvy to Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Utah. His longevity in the league spoke to an ability to fit into any system, providing spacing and smart play for contenders and rebuilding squads alike, solidifying Turkey's presence on the NBA map.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ersan was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ersan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ersan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 13 seasons in the NBA, appearing in 825 regular-season games for six different franchises.
- Averaged double-digit scoring in five separate NBA seasons, peaking at 13.0 points per game in 2011-12.
- Represented the Turkish national team in multiple FIBA EuroBasket tournaments and the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005 but played two seasons in Spain before making his NBA debut in 2007.
İlyasova led the NBA in charges drawn during the 2011-12 and 2014-15 seasons.
He played for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA Development League early in his professional career.
“I take the open shot. It's a simple game if you play it right.”
