Kentucky basketball has added a new target to their transfer list in the form of former UCLA forward Berke Buyuktuncel. Kentucky still has some roster spots available, and has contacted him, per Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.
Originally from Turkey, Buyuktuncel was a four-star player in the 2023 recruiting class. He was ranked 36th overall in the class by 247sports.
In his Freshman season, Buyuktuncel played in 26 games, but started only 8. Like Kentucky’s Zvonimir Ivisic, he missed some games waiting for the NCAA to make him eligible. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds in about 15 minutes per game.
Before joining UCLA, he spent the Summer representing Turkey at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where they finished third. He was a team captain.
Wildcats coach Mark Pope could use another frontcourt player to come off the bench and give them minutes. Buyuktuncel would be a nice fit for that spot, and he still has plenty of eligibility left which could allow him to develop into a starter eventually.
Like the remaining names in the transfer portal, Buyuktuncel will likely take his time picking a team. Big Blue Nation will await his decision.