UCLA Men's Basketball: Why Berke Buyuktuncel Isn't Currently Practicing With Team
Though the Bruins' men's basketball team has broken camp preparing for the regular season, three important names have been absent from the earlier points of preseason training.
Among these names of multiple frontcourt names who won't play in the preseason exhibition tour is Berke Buyuktencel, opting to play for his country in the FIBA Tournament later in the month.
Just a reminder: the roster is still missing forward Berke Buyuktuncel, who will play with the Turkish national team later this month.
Joining Buyuktencel on the sidelines for UCLA's upcoming tour are recent Spaniard signing Aday Mara who's rated highly among draft analysts, and fellow projected first rounder in Adem Bona who's recovering from his shoulder issue at the end of last season.
Bona's absence in parts of the NCAA tournament gave way to Kenneth Nwuba to step in for the sophomore, but he's slowly working his way back to have a monster sophomore season.
Mara as another international prospect made headlines greeting one of his countrymen in interesting fashion while with the Spanish national team.
The 7-foot-3 incoming prospect didn't have any trouble standing out among a crowd before his endearingly awkward handshake with Willy Hernangomez broke on social media.
Now the young man will hope to be a vital piece for Mick Cronin's plans after losing several members of his tournament core from years past.
Out the door in recent years have been guards Tyger Campbell, Johnny Juzang, Amari Bailey and Jules Bernard in their pursuits of an NBA opportunity.
Replacing the frontcourt talents of Jaime Jaquez Jr. is no tall task either, but Buyuktencel and Mara joining Bona as a returnee for the Bruins should only help.
After losing out on a national title for the past three years, Mick Cronin's squad will not settle for less in 2024.
