NCAA Eligibility Delays Hit UCLA’s International Prospects: A Hurdle for Bruins’ Big Men

In recent years, the NCAA’s complex web of rules and regulations has posed challenges for universities, and UCLA is no exception. Over the past two seasons, the Bruins’ basketball program has navigated the intricate terrain of NCAA eligibility rules while pursuing international prospects. The latest setback comes in the form of eligibility concerns for incoming freshmen big men, Aday Mara and Berke Buyuktuncel.

Key Takeaways:

• Last year, Adem Bona, another international recruit, faced eligibility issues, serving as a precedent for Mara and Buyuktuncel’s current situation.
• UCLA head coach Mick Cronin addressed the issue during a media session, hinting at potential game-time absence for the two prospects.
• Mara and Buyuktuncel, both with professional experience in Spain and Turkey, represent significant assets for UCLA’s basketball team.

During a media scrum after a recent practice session, UCLA’s head coach, Mick Cronin, shed light on the eligibility concerns surrounding Aday Mara and Berke Buyuktuncel. While Coach Cronin appeared relatively calm, the prospects of the two big men donning the Bruins’ jersey for the upcoming exhibition game against Cal State Dominguez Hills on Halloween night seem bleak.

Both Mara and Buyuktuncel come to UCLA with impressive backgrounds in international basketball. Mara hails from Spain, while Buyuktuncel is of Turkish descent. However, their journeys to the NCAA have not been without obstacles. In Mara’s case, a legal dispute in Spanish court arose when he decided to leave his former team, Basket Zaragoza, in favor of joining UCLA.

The timing of this eligibility issue is far from ideal for UCLA. The presence of both big men on the court is crucial for the team’s development and competitiveness this season. Both Mara and Buyuktuncel are highly touted prospects, with NBA potential that is drawing attention from scouts and fans alike.

If this situation proves to be a minor hiccup, the best-case scenario suggests that Mara and Buyuktuncel might miss the upcoming exhibition game and potentially the season opener against Saint Francis (PA) on Nov. 6. In this scenario, the duo would still have a chance to make an impact in the regular season games against Lafayette and Long Island University before the Bruins head to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational, where they will face a formidable lineup of opponents.

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