A Strategic Addition
Siena's men's basketball head coach, Nevada Smith, unveiled the signing of Tan Yildizoglu, a 6‑4 point guard from Istanbul, Turkey, who will join the Saints for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign. The move marks the ninth scholarship slot filled for the roster and the fourth newcomer since Smith assumed leadership.
Yildizoglu arrives after a three‑year stint at Virginia Military Institute, where he started 64 games and accumulated more than 600 points, 300 assists and 250 rebounds. His career highlights include a 25‑point outing against Wofford and a season in which he averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.5 steals.
Beyond collegiate play, the Turkish native has represented his country at multiple youth levels, culminating in a standout performance at the 2023 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. There, he led Turkey to a historic bronze‑medal victory over Team USA with 20 points and eight assists, earning All‑Star Second Team honors.
International Experience and Club Roots
Yildizoglu's basketball journey began at Pacific University during the 2023‑24 freshman season, where he contributed 2.4 points and 1.4 assists in limited minutes. He later transferred to VMI, where he posted career‑best numbers and ranked third in the Southern Conference in assists for two consecutive years. Prior to his U.S. college career, he honed his skills with Galatasaray Nef, a prominent Turkish club.
His international résumé also includes appearances for Turkey at the FIBA EuroBasket, European Championship and World Cup from 2021 to 2024, underscoring a blend of domestic success and global exposure that could enrich the Saints' style of play.
Looking Ahead
Coach Smith expressed confidence that Yildizoglu's playmaking ability and competitive fire will bolster the team's depth and competitiveness. With the new addition, the Saints aim to build on recent progress and contend strongly in the upcoming season, leveraging a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent.