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- Category: Past Issues
Turkish big man
coming to PSA
By Ron P. Coderre
PUTNAM — Putnam Science Academy basketball received some good news recently with the announcement by coach Tom Espinosa that 6-foot, 11-inch Ugur Hortum from Istanbul, Turkey, will become a member of the Mustangs for the 2012-2013 season.
The Mustangs basketball program has enjoyed considerable success in the past five years under Espinosa thanks in large part to inner city players who have decided to make the Science Academy their home in the hopes of securing scholarships to college programs. The primarily Turkish-based school has had very few athletes from its native land.
“We’re very pleased to secure Ugur Hortum as a student and athlete,” said Espinosa. “His signing is a sign that prospective players from Turkey and those of Turkish ancestry are recognizing our school for its academics and athletics.”
Hortum is a graduate of Etiler Lisesi High School in Turkey, where he starred as a player. He will spend one year in Putnam as a post-graduate student and athlete.
“Ugur (Hortum) is an extremely skilled big man, who should add some fire power to our inside game. He has outstanding offensive skills and should provide a deterrent to opponents on the defensive end of the court,” said Espinosa.
Hortum is the second tallest player to play for Putnam Science Academy in its brief history. At 6-11, he is one inch shorter than 7-foot Rundell Mauge, a current member of NCAA Division I Pacific University in Stockton, Calif., who graduated in 2008.
The previously tallest Turkish player to grace the court for the Mustangs was 6-6 Enes Ulukaya who graduated in 2010 as the Mustangs’ leading career rebounder with 468 caroms. He’s also the school’s second-leading career scorer with 580 points.
Another Turkish player of note was guard Halid Gul who concluded his career as the leader in assist (172) and steals (81). Gul an adept ball handler and passer is fifth on the all-time scoring list at PSA with 451 points.
Hortum, who’ll be easily recognizable by his size, joins expected returnees Dayshon Smith, Sergen Kumas and Berkan Tuylu. Espinosa reports that guard Johnny Joseph is transferring to Tilton Academy and small forward Tyree Robinson is moving on to Notre Dame Prep.