After a remarkable stint in the California Classic Summer League in Sacramento, Omer Yurtseven confirmed in Las Vegas, in another summer league, where he is running at 20 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks on average after three games.
With a pivot profile combining a modern side, capable of shooting from a distance for example, but also “old school”, if only by its size and its offensive palette at the low post.
At 23, the 2m13 pivot has already accumulated a lot of experience. After having started in the pro world at the age of barely 16, on the side of Fenerbahce, he then spent two years at North Carolina State before joining Georgetown, specializing in the development of the greats, then experiencing a first adventure. in the G-League in Oklahoma City last season.
The surprise effect fades over the course of the matches
The next logical step would be the NBA, and therefore Miami, where he signed a two-year contract to move into the third rotation at post 5, behind Bam Adebayo and Dewayne Dedmon. The Summer League is a big step before you throw Yurtseven into the deep end, and each match gets a little tougher than the last.
“Especially now, when the teams have really spotted him. He doesn’t take anyone by surprise ”, declared Malik Allen, son coach en Summer League. “But he took up the challenge and it’s great for him. He gets pushed around, he has to play with contact, and the league is like that for the grown-ups, especially with his qualities. It’s part of the process, it’s what it needs, and most importantly now, as we go along. There is also this mental aspect which allows him to grow. These experiences are simply invaluable to him. “
Last adjustments before the big jump?
Omer Yurtseven is also confronted with the diversity of profiles among the 5 positions he has been able to face so far, between a robust Xavier Tillman Sr., crossed against Memphis, or a longer build à la Makur Maker, faced against the Nuggets de Bol Bol, another atypical profile, not to mention Udoka Azubuike of Jazz. So many oppositions that allow him to move forward.
“There were small, strong and strong, but also large against whom I had to play”, he said. “When teams are more of a small ball, you have to be able to adapt. The same goes for a more normal confrontation, big against big. So gaining this experience has been very beneficial. And be able to make these great players come out (because of his threat on the outside shot), and then having open pass lines for the full backs, I think that’s something that can help any team at the NBA level. “
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