UCLA Basketball: New Bruin Started Immediately Vs Marquette -- Mick Cronin Explains Why

In UCLA's narrow loss to Marquette, a new face drew the start and played 27 minutes. 

Freshman Berke Buyuktuncel, a 6-foot-9 Turkish wing, made his debut for the Bruins after finally receiving NCAA eligibility. 

Berke struggled in the outing, going 0-7 from the field and thus scoreless, but coach Mick Cronin hasn't lost any faith in the 4-star recruit. This is confirmed by Ben Bolch of the LA Times, who writes: 

“He’s going to be a big player for us,” Cronin said, “so might as well throw him in there and get him ready.”

Buyuktuncel is a versatile scorer with excellent upside, and given UCLA's question marks when it comes to scoring the ball, expect Buyuktuncel to be asked to do a lot going forward. 

This loss to Marquette, who is ranked No. 4 in the nation (that should rise after their Maui Invitational performance), was closer than people expected. With the Golden Eagles entering as 6-point favorites, their experience (returning their entire core), was expected to be a major advantage. 

With the Bruins keeping things close in the freshman forward's first game, it reflects well when it comes to the promise of this team down the line. 

In spite of their youth, inexperience, and limited chemistry due to this being a newly formed group, they kept things close with a national title contender in November, which is indubitably something to be proud of. 

Going forward, expect Buyuktuncel's production and role to increase dramatically, as the NBA-level prospect is more than capable of becoming Mick Cronin's top option. 

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