Nebraska basketball hosting dynamic transfer portal target

Nebraska basketball is starting to get busy again on the recruiting trail after a little bit of a lull. The program will be hosting UCLA forward Berke Buyuktuncel on Thursday, per HuskerOnline’s Robin Washut.

Buyuktuncel averaged 4.5 points per game last season to go along with 2.5 rebounds as a true freshman. He shot 38.5% from the field, and 29.7% on three-pointers. He then struggled with injuries a bit last season, as he missed three games to an injured ankle and hand.

Nevertheless, he is a dynamic player who is on the rise. He was a former four-star recruit, and is currently listed as the 42^nd overall selection in ESPN’s 2025 NBA mock draft.

He’s a very complete player has a unique set of skills. For one, he can finish around the rim. He is able to get inside and has a soft touch in the paint. This is where his size comes into play. He measures in at six-foot-nine. He played at the FIBA U19 World Cup, and was able to showcase all of his skills while he was there.

What could he bring to Nebraska basketball?

It’s easy to see where Buyuktuncel fits in this Nebraska basketball system. He possesses a unique blend of scoring ability both inside and outside the paint. Scoring from beyond the arc is a necessity in a Fred Hoiberg system. The unique blend of rim protection and shooting from beyond-the-arc is exactly what Nebraska basketball wants.

Eligibility is also a key piece here too. Andrew Morgan and Juwan Gary will be seniors this year. Rienk Mast will also be a senior in 2024-25 as he intends to come back following surgery this year. This isn’t just about getting an impact playmaker right now. Getting Buyuktuncel will also help the program prepare for the future.

Hopefully, the program will be able to make a strong impact on his visit. This Nebraska basketball coaching staff has shown the ability to land impact players in the transfer portal. It almost seems like their preferred method of recruiting. Whatever the case may be, it has worked the last two years, as Hoiberg is done a solid job of adjusting to the Big Ten.

Hopefully,  the Huskers will be able to make a strong impact as they look to continue to fill out their roster.