Florida Tech Basketball Adds Turkish Forward Can Kaan Turgut to 2021 Signing Class
By Daniel Supraner, Florida Tech // August 13, 2021
Turkish National Team nominee for the past four years
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Florida Tech head coach Billy Mims has announced the addition of Can Kaan Turgut to the 2021 men’s basketball signing class.
Turgut, a 6-6, 200-pound wing-forward, is set to join the Crimson & Gray after a standout prep career in Istanbul, Turkey.
He attended FMV Isik Schools in Turkey and has experience playing at various top levels in his home country.
Most recently, Turgut played for the Besiktas Senior Men’s Team in the Turkish Super League and the European Champions League.
Over the last two seasons with Besiktas, he has averaged 3.5 points, 1.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists,s and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 50% from the field, 45% beyond the arc, and 75% at the charity stripe.
“First of all, I would like to say that I am very happy and excited to be a part of the Florida Tech Family,” said Turgut. “I want to thank everybody that supported me on this journey, especially my family.
Also, I want to thank Coach Mims for this great opportunity. I have been having this dream since I was a little boy and finally, it’s a great pleasure to have it for the next four years.
“There are lots of reasons why I chose Florida Tech but the most important reason is the connection we have with Coach Mims based on trust, with his experience and knowledge I think I will be able to extend my skills and abilities in the game of basketball.”
“I think we will have a solid team, and I am excited to achieve what we are capable of. Secondly, I know the academics of Florida Tech are outstanding while offering a worldwide respected degree.”
“I didn’t want to miss the chance to be part of it. As a son of a lecturer mother, I was always aware of the importance of education. I am looking forward to getting to the campus and doing my best both academically and athletically.”
Turgut was a start for the Besiktas U19 Team during the 2018-19 season, finishing as the league’s leading scorer at 17 points per game.
He also averaged around six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block per game while making 50% from the field, 35% from three-point range, and 75% on free throws.
Turgut has been a Turkish National Team nominee for the past four years.
He also guided his U15 team to two Turkish national championships, won the national skills challenge, and participated in the National All-Star Game.
“I’m very excited by the addition of Can to our team,” said Mims.
“He comes to us having played at the highest level of basketball in his country for Besiktas in the Turkish Super League and the highest level of basketball in Europe in the Champions League. At a very young age, he has been challenged to compete against men of a very high standard.
“Can practice every day this past season with and against professionals. He also played in the ANGT, the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, where all the top young talent in Europe comes to compete and showcase their skills.”
“This experience on the big stage should help Can be ready to contribute right away in the Sunshine State Conference. Playing on the senior men’s level for Besiktas, Can has the maturity, physical strength, and mental toughness it takes to be an impact in the SSC.”
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