Vanderbilt basketball is gearing up for the summer, with the coaching staff zeroing in on three players who are expected to step off the bench and carve out meaningful minutes.
Physical Presence in the Paint
Berke Buyuktuncel, a 6‑foot‑10 forward hailing from Bursa, Türkiye, brings a blend of size and grit that the Commodores hope will translate into a more imposing interior game.
Backcourt Support
T.O. Barrett, an SEC‑seasoned guard, is slated to complement the starting backcourt, offering depth and experience as Tyler Tanner takes the reins.
Ethan Mgbako, a prolific scorer with a track record in high‑octane offensive systems, is being viewed as a potential starter and one of the team’s most talented pieces as the regular season approaches.
Ambitions and Roster Outlook
Mgbako has publicly voiced his desire to reach the NBA, expressing confidence that his four‑year stint at Vanderbilt will provide the platform he needs to develop.
The Commodores are also exploring the addition of another recruit, a move that could further reshape the bench rotation and bolster overall depth.
Coaches say the blend of Buyuktuncel’s physicality, Barrett’s seasoned guard play, and Mgbako’s scoring prowess could give Vanderbilt a versatile edge heading into the new campaign.