Turkish basketball star Yarkut joins NCAA, leaves Turk Telekom
Kaan Yarkut during a match against Reeder Samsunspor, Ankara, Türkiye, November 11, 2023 (Photo by @TT_Basketbol via Twitter)
Oguz Kaan Yarkut from Turk Telekom Basketball Team will be joining the Oregon State Beavers, a team in the NCAA Basketball League, for the upcoming season.
According to the announcement, 2006-born Yarkut will represent Türkiye in the U.S. wearing an Oregon State Beavers jersey.
Yarkut, who has been studying at Bilkent Laboratory International School (BLIS), will continue his education at Oregon State University in Oregon while also competing with the Oregon State Beavers in the NCAA starting this September.
Yarkut, who has been playing for Turk Telekom Sports Club since 2022, made his first appearance on the BKT European Cup roster in October 2023.
Yarkut inspired by Alperen Sengun
Yarkut disclosed in the statement that his inspiration is Alperen Sengun and that he aspires to represent the Turkish National Team. He described his forthcoming voyage as both exhilarating and rewarding.
Yarkut expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to represent Türkiye in the United States, as well as his dedication to the professional development of his basketball career.
He observed that the opportunity to compete against the best athletes in the NCAA and further his education would be an extraordinary experience.
Yarkut believes that competing against college athletes he has admired on television and those in his position will significantly enhance his abilities.
He is resolute in his commitment to work diligently, deriving inspiration from role models such as Alperen Sengun, in order to proudly represent Türkiye in the NCAA and, ideally, with the national team. He also expressed his appreciation to all those who have supported him.
