Duke Basketball: A New Turkish Connection?

Duke basketball is reportedly interested in Turkish transfer guard Derin Saran, who averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in his freshman year at UC Irvine. Could Saran be the next big thing for the Blue Devils?

Duke Basketball: A New Turkish Connection?

As the Duke basketball program continues to evolve under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer, it’s no surprise that the team is exploring new talent from around the world. One such prospect is Derin Saran, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard from Istanbul, Turkey. Saran, who played for UC Irvine in his freshman year, has reportedly caught the attention of the Blue Devils, joining the likes of Stanford, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Georgia, and Marquette as potential suitors.

Duke Basketball: A New Turkish Connection

Saran’s impressive stats at UC Irvine, where he averaged 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 50.2 percent from the field, 34.9 percent beyond the arc, and 80.0 percent at the charity stripe, have undoubtedly made him an attractive prospect for top-tier programs.

As a journalist, I’ve had the privilege of following the Duke basketball program for years, and I must say that the team’s interest in Saran is a shrewd move. With the departure of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils are looking to rebuild and revamp their roster. The addition of Saran, who has already demonstrated his skills in the NCAA, could be a significant boost to the team’s chances in the upcoming season.

Turkish Basketball on the Rise

It’s worth noting that Saran’s connection to Turkey is not the only one in the Duke basketball family. Stanley Borden, a 7-footer from Istanbul, has been a part of the team since September 2021 and is now the only player remaining from Krzyzewski’s final Blue Devil team. Perhaps Borden’s presence has played a role in the Duke staff’s interest in Saran, who also has ties to North Carolina, having attended Asheville School as a prep.

As the recruitment process unfolds, it will be exciting to see how Saran’s story unfolds. Will he join the Blue Devils and become a key player in their quest for success? Only time will tell.

Duke Basketball Recruitment: A New Era