Penn State has brought in the No. 26 ranked recruiting class in the country for this upcoming season, the highest ever in Penn State men’s basketball history. One of the reasons for this high ranking is because of the commitment from 19- year-old, Turkey sensation, Melih Tunca.
Tunca, a 6′-5″ versatile guard, just got done wrapping up an incredible offseason of summer international play. His summer basketball tour first started in June representing his home country of Turkey in the Under 20 (U20) EuroBasket Preparation Games. These games are meant to prepare players for the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Tournament. FIBA is the Professional International Basketball Federation, distinct from leagues such as the NBA and NCAA.
In June, Turkey had warm ups against Georgia and Finland. Turkey beat Georgia on June 18, 91-63. Tunca scored 12 points and went 5/8 from the field. Then on June 19, they beat Finland, 92-77, where Tunca scored 19 points, dished out 5 assists, and went 7/11 from the field.
After the EuroBasket preparation games, Turkey then hosted the Turgut Atakol U20 Tournament. Turgut Atakol was a famous Turk who co-founded and became President of the Turkish Basketball Federation, and later became a well-known, international basketball referee. Turkey went on to win the championship after defeating countries Montenegro, Croatia, Great Britain, and then Austria in the championship game. Tunca earned Tournament MVP where he averaged 17 ppg. and 6.8 apg.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Then it was onto the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Tournament. Turkey won in the first round by defeating Sweden on July 11, 78-59. Tunca scored 19 points, had 4 assists, 2 rebounds, while shooting 50% from the field. Game 2 was against Hungary on July 13 where Turkey won 95-72. Tunca scored 21 points, had 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. Game 3 was against Croatia on July 19 and Turkey suffered their first loss, 109-86. Penn State’s incoming sharpshooter scored 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in the loss. Game 4 was for third place and Turkey beat Switzerland on July 20 by the score of 86-54. Tunca scored 11 points, had 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. At the conclusion of the tournament, Tunca was named to the All-Star Five after averaging in the tournament 17.7 ppg., 5.7 apg. and 4 rpg. He is pictured below second from the right.
Penn State hoop fans should be excited to not only see Melih Tunca in action this year, but they should also be excited for the entire, young group of promising athletes that have made their way to Happy Valley.
