First Games of Turkish Players in the NCAA: Onat, Konan and Saran Stand Out

As the 2026-27 NCAA season began, Turkish players continuing their careers in America took the court for their first official games. The most notable performance came from Kaan Onat, who plays for UT Martin. In a game against Tulane that went to two overtimes, the young player recorded 21 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, starting his NCAA career with a double-double.

In Richmond's 100-77 win over UNC Asheville, Derin Saran finished with 15 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. His 8 assists were the highest total of the game. Kerem Konan, who wears the Duquesne jersey, came close to a double-double in a 78-71 win over Purdue Fort Wayne, with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Ege Demir, playing for the same team, produced 6 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks against the same opponent.

Berke Büyüktuncel, a national team player who opened the season with Vanderbilt, scored 13 points against Bellarmine, shooting 5 of 5 from the field, 1 of 1 from three and 2 of 2 from the free throw line. Efe Demirel, playing for Grand Canyon, scored 11 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in 16 minutes against Texas Southern, hitting all 3 of his field goal attempts.

At Stony Brook, Özgür Cengiz recorded 10 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds in a 97-47 win over SUNY Old Westbury. Efe Vatan, at the same school, completed his first game of the season with 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 block.

In Indiana's 91-57 win over Eastern Illinois, Samet Yiğitoğlu started in the first five and played 18 minutes, finishing with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. Rrezon Elezaj, who wears the Appalachian State jersey, recorded 6 points and 7 rebounds in 19 minutes against Merrimack.