Recruiting Report: Yavuz Gultekin (2019)
"I can play all 5 spots and can defend all 5 positions. I can also play both ends, and have stat line filled in all aspects of the game. I like to share the ball and make my teammates involved. I want to win every game," said Gultekin, who ran with Mid Atlantic Select last month. "People sometimes don't see my positive energy and reflection to my teammates. I always talk with them, and make them better with pep talk."
Gultekin is a lefty who can stretch the floor from the perimeter, but also works hard in the paint to get rebounds. He's a good athlete who likes to get up and down the floor. Like most good college prospects, Gultekin is not satisfied with where he is as a player, and is always working to improve."In the last 12 months, I worked hard on my shot and my body so I can play more physical now," Gultekin explained. "I need to improve my strength and conditioning to keep up with American basketball as I am here only for 5 weeks. I am from Europe."
With the departure of Nate Roberts to Brewster Academy, John Carroll needed another piece in the front court. Gultekin should fit in nicely alongside Cam Byers, and the talented backcourt Immanuel Quickley and Montez Mathis. While Gultekin admits it will take some to adjust American academic system, he is confident that he will do fine in school."I am a decent student and my GPA in Europe was around 3.0," said Gultekin, who received his first scholarship offer from Old Dominion last month. What can he bring to a college program?
"I will add an energy, and contribute as a freshman. My positive energy, and team player skills is my A side."
It really is rare to see a player from overseas acclimate so quickly to basketball in the U.S. Don't be surprised to see Gultekin pick up more interest throughout his junior season. It also doesn't hurt that he still has one more summer of AAU basketball left.
