Nebraska Basketball: 3 thoughts on Berke Buyuktuncel’s pledge

Nebraska basketball was able to land a commitment from the UCLA forward Berke Buyuktuncel on Tuesday. This added yet another name to the Nebraska basketball transfer class, one that is almost complete.

He comes to the Nebraska basketball program with over wide variety of experience, both at the collegiate level and internationally. Now, he will look to help a Nebraska program that is looking to take the next step, after appearing in the NCAA tournament last season. His game is fits well in the Huskers system, and should be able to make an impact.

I offer my thoughts on Buyuktuncel’s commitment.

Nebraska basketball got another multiple-year player

Nebraska basketball has yet another player with multiple years of eligibility. This is massive as it relates to building a program. When you take a look at the Nebraska basketball transfer class so far, Connor Essegian, Gavin Griffiths, and Andrew Morgan all have multiple years of eligibility.

Buyuktuncel is only coming off his freshman season. On top of this, he may be the second -most skilled forward on the roster behind Brice Williams. Williams is in his final year with the program. Once he leaves, Buyuktuncel has a legitimate chance to slide right into that starting spot.

Of course, time will tell how his development pans out. Fred Hoiberg has done a good job, especially recently, of being able to develop his players. Nebraska basketball got themselves a bona fide starter with multiple years of control.

Nebraska Basketball got a dynamic player

Buyuktuncel is not a player with a limited skill set. He can do it all, including score from both inside and outside.

This will undoubtedly help Nebraska basketball, as they look to not only have scoring on the floor, but also space the floor. His perimeter game will allow him to create separation for the big men such as Braxton Meah.

On the flipside, his ability to drive to the hoop is undoubtedly an asset as well. He possesses tremendous touch. He can score in the post with ease, and does a good job of finishing around the rim. The forward can do this both in the form of dunks and layups.

His versatility can allow him to be on the floor for Nebraska basketball in multiple situations. It will also be able to allow for different substitution patterns, and give the Huskers  that extra depth both in the starting lineup and potentially off the bench, at least for the upcoming season. Versatility was something we saw with Nebraska basketball last year, and that was a key reason why they were able to make the NCAA tournament.

International experience is a plus

Buyuktuncel has experience with the international game, which is certainly nothing to take lightly. He averaged 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.1 deals per game in the FIBA U18 Championship in 2022.

International basketball has provided players with added experience before heading over to the United States. Just look at Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. He came over to the NBA as an already-polished player. Development is a hallmark of international basketball. Players often come to the United States with their game being a bit more polished than others.

Buyuktuncel helped Turkey finish in third place at the FIBA U 19 basketball World Cup in 2023. He was one of five standout players named to the “All Star Five”, according to his biography on the UCLA Athletics website.

Nebraska may be only getting a freshman at the collegiate level, but his experience compensates for that.

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