İbrahim Kutluay is a former Turkish professional basketball player who has been a manager and pundit since his retirement. He played the shooting guard position, and in his prime, was one of the most prolific 3-point shooters worldwide. He scored a record 50 points at the 1996 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship against Italy, and also 41 points in a EuroLeague game against Cibona Zagreb during the 1998–99 season. He was the first Turkish basketball player to win the EuroLeague championship, winning the 2002 EuroLeague Final Four with the Greek club Panathinaikos. Kutluay was the fourth Turk to play in the NBA. He is described as a 'stellar basketball player' whose 'legacy goes beyond his shooting skills, leadership, and incredible talent'. In addition to his professional career, he has also attracted interest as a high society figure due to his fame, wealth and personal life which has continuously been subjected to media scrutiny.

The 1998–99 FIBA EuroLeague was the 42nd installment of the European top-tier level professional club competition for basketball clubs. It began on September 23, 1998, and ended on April 22, 1999. The competition's Final Four was held at Olympiahalle, Munich, with Žalgiris defeating Kinder Bologna in the EuroLeague Final, in front of 9,000 spectators.