Star NC State recruit who played professionally in Turkey suspended nine games
North Carolina State freshman Omer Yurtseven has been suspended for nine games, the NCAA announced.
Yurtseven played club basketball for Fenerbahçe in Turkey and there have been questions surrounding his amateur status and eligibility since his commitment to NC State. The NCAA completed its review and announced the decision Monday.
"The NCAA conducted a thoughtful analysis of Omer’s situation," NC State athletic director Debbie Yow said in a statement. "Their staff exhibited considerable concern for fairness and for the welfare of this conscientious young man in their decision."
Yurtseven turned down a lucrative contract offer to leave Turkey and come to college. He picked NC State over a host of colleges, including Utah and Syracuse.
The news is significant for head coach Mark Gottfried, as Yurtseven was considered a five-star prospect and the equivalent of a top 10 recruit.
The 6-foot-11, 250-pound center is currently projected as the No. 21 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by DraftExpress. He grabbed international attention this past May when he scored 91 points in a Turkey U-18 game.
