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Nebraska basketball lands a commitment from UCLA transfer Berke Buyuktuncel

Robin Washut profile picby:Robin Washut•06/04/24•

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Berke Buyuktuncel
UCLA Bruins forward Berke Buyuktuncel (9) reacts against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Arguably, the top remaining priority in Nebraska’s 2024-25 recruiting cycle was a versatile, offensively skilled forward. The Huskers finally checked that box with the addition of UCLA transfer Berke Buyuktuncel.

The 6-foot-9, 245-pound stretch four officially visited Lincoln last month after a trip to BYU. Texas was another school reportedly pushing to get involved late in the process. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

A native of Bursa, Turkey, Buyuktuncel (BEAR-keh buh-YOOK-toon-jell) appeared in 26 games with eight starts for the Bruins last season as a true freshman. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game, shooting 38.5% from the field and 29.7% on 3-pointers.

Part of his limited production came down to availability. Buyuktuncel was ineligible for the first three games of last season as he awaited NCAA clearance. He then missed three contests due to an ankle injury and another to an injured hand.

But Buyuktuncel’s potential remains sky-high. Since entering the NCAA Transfer Portal two weeks ago, he has attracted interest from Kentucky, Virginia, Cincinnati, Washington, Butler, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Iowa, and Louisville.

ESPN listed the former four-star recruit as the 42nd overall pick in its latest 2025 NBA mock draft.

The Huskers now have one available scholarship remaining for 2024-25. There’s a chance NU could hold onto that final spot going into the summer and even into the coming season.

RELATED: 2024-25 Nebraska basketball scholarship distribution chart

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