Samet Yigitoglu, a 7‑foot‑2 center, has officially joined the Indiana Hoosiers after weighing a host of suitors. The Turkish big man opted for Bloomington, citing the program’s storied past and the clear roadmap laid out by the coaching staff.
During his lone season at Southern Methodist University he posted 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, while also topping the ACC with 3.6 offensive rebounds per contest. Those numbers hint at a player still finding his footing but already making an impact on the glass.
A Vision Takes Shape
The Indiana coaching staff envisions a dynamic frontcourt built around Yigitoglu’s size and rebounding prowess, pairing him with point guard Markus Burton and versatile forward Aiden Sherrell. The trio is slated to compete in the upcoming FISU America Games, a stage that could accelerate their chemistry.
Since arriving in Bloomington, Yigitoglu has embraced the campus culture and the team’s camaraderie. He has spoken about the ease of fitting into a new environment and the excitement of contributing to a squad that blends tradition with fresh ambition.
His journey to the United States began in Istanbul, where he first honed his game before moving to Texas for high school before landing at SMU. Now at Indiana, he hopes to add another chapter to a career that already spans continents.