UCLA Basketball: Bruins Wing Explains Why Freshman Teammate Will Be A Tough Cover

The ceiling is high for the freshman big man.

The UCLA Bruins are embarking on the 2023-2024 season with a promising but unproven team. The departure of several key veterans has left head coach Mike Cronin and his staff with the task of extracting the full potential from the current roster. The team boasts undeniable talent, although only a select few stand out from the rest.

One noteworthy aspect of this year's squad is the presence of eight freshmen on the roster. In the 2023 recruit rankings, the Bruins were positioned at a respectable 16th overall. 

Among the standout newcomers is international power forward Berke Buyuktuncel, hailing from Turkey. Standing at 6-foot-9, Buyuktuncel brings immense promise to the team, and junior guard Lazar Stefanovic couldn't help but praise the freshman's talent. 

“He has a good all-around game,” Stefanovic said of Buyuktuncel, another giant who inhabits his apartment alongside Mara and Vide. “He can play inside-outside, he can pass pretty good, he’s a lefty, so the lefties are usually a little atypical and harder to guard.”

(Via LA Times)

Stefanovic had high praise for the freshman power forward, highlighting his exceptional intangibles and emphasizing the challenging cover he presents for opponents. Buyuktuncel already made a name for himself as one of the best players in his home country, and he is determined to showcase his talents on the American collegiate basketball stage.

While he didn't see action in the Bruins' first game of the season, the anticipation surrounding Buyuktuncel's potential is palpable. As the season progresses, there's every indication that he may seize an opportunity to demonstrate his skills and make a significant impact. His arrival adds an exciting dimension to the UCLA Bruins, and fans can eagerly await his contributions in the games to come.