Turkey veteran Esmeral Tuncluer did not exactly get the farewell she had hoped for in that podium, yet still waved her hand and bowed out of the game with her head held high at the FIBA World Championship for Women.

The dream of a top three finish did not materialize as Australia overcame Turkey in getting the third place spot.

Nonetheless, as a  cornerstone of the national team for about 14 years, the player was deservedly praised and honored in a special ceremony afterwards, in recognition of the great role she has played in taking Turkish women's basketball to exciting new things.

Esmeral has been a very, very valuable player. - Yildizoglu

"Since the first day she dedicated herself to basketball, she has been a very special player with her personality, her approach to being a team-mate and being a team player," said Turkey head coach Ceyhun Yildizoglu.

Many people expressed their insights and thoughts about Tuncluer and what she became in touching people's lives from playing basketball with a great determination and a good heart.

"Not just on the court, but also off the court as a friend, with her dependability."

Since I was little, Esmeral was someone I always watched avidly. -Koksal 

"I liked her character and her game - I was a fan of hers," said the 20-year-old.

"Being a good team-mate means helping each other both on and off the court, as well as being supportive," she reiterated.

"Our young players are all very valuable and talented - we must all do whatever we can to be helpful to them."

She's a person that must be taken as an example for others. - Vardarli Demirmen

"As far as women's basketball goes, she's a remarkable person - she's an athlete who could be a role model for a lot of people."

She is now looking forward to settle down and start a family. She exclaimed that she would be very happy to see a son or a daughter doing her thing.

"Of course, I'd really want that," she smiled.

(Source: 2014 FIBA for Women Official Website)