One of the youngest players at U18 Eurobasket in Tampere, Finland was Turkish guard Derin Can Ustun. After leading his team to a surprising bronze medal at the U17 World Cup in Istanbul, the Cedevita Olimpija player showed that he could also easily keep up with the older age group. Although the team's success in Finland was nowhere near as good as at the home World Championships, Ustun still put in an all-around performance averaging 11.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 3.6 APG. Pro Insight’s Florian Kurth met with him for a brief interview:
Pro Insight: You had quite a busy summer! What has been your general impression of the National Team events?
Derin Can Ustun: The bronze medal at the U17 World Cup was special, as we managed to come back from a very poor first game. On a personal level I gained more international experience having played two international tournaments.
PI: How does it feel to play for your country?
DCU: I feel honored, proud and lucky to be able to represent my country. And I also play with a really nice group of teammates.
PI: You are originally from Turkey and play for the Turkish National Team, but play for Cedevita Olimpija right now – talk us through the process of landing there and leaving home.
DCU: I was at a crossroad after the U16 Euros, last summer. I had multiple offers from Turkey and Spain, but after a careful consideration process with my family and advisors, I decided to go to Olimpija, after I visited the city and facilities with my brother and also met with the coaches. First I was pretty anxious and curious, but shortly after I became comfortable and fit in quickly.
PI: Do you have any professional athletes in your family?
DCU: My brother also played basketball in the youth category, but never became professional.
PI: How did you get into basketball in the first place?
DCU: Watching my older brother playing. I think I was five years old when I picked up a basketball for the first time.
PI: How would you describe your game to someone who hasn’t ever seen you play?
DCU: I would say, calm, confident and focused on making my teammates better. I don't shy away from stepping up at times of pressure when my team needs it.
PI: What is your biggest weakness right now?
DCU: My biggest weakness right now is…I think I need to get better for the next level. That is my main thing right now.
PI: What do you work on the most in individual practice?
DCU: I work mostly on fundamentals, mid-range and three-point shooting.
PI: Can you imagine going to college one day? If so, do you have any favorite school?
DCU: The decision on the college route will depend on my situation at Olimpija. I had multiple schools offering this summer asking for an early commitment. But I am not entertaining these options at the moment. I don't want any distractions right now while I focus on the upcoming season. I also do not have any favorite schools for now.
PI: Which position do you see yourself playing, long term?
DCU: My goal is to become an elite point guard at the international level.
PI: Where do you see yourself in five years?
DCU: I just see myself as the main guard of a big team.
PI: Do you watch a lot of the NBA?
DCU: I follow the NBA particularly during the playoffs. It is not easy to watch the games live, due to the time difference, but I watch the highlights mainly.
PI: What would be your dream NIL deal?
DCU: As I really like traveling and experiencing new cultures, I would love to have an NIL deal that gives me the opportunity to promote a destination which I like. I have not heard of that in the NCAA yet, but who knows.
PI: What hobbies do you have outside of basketball?
DCU: I enjoy playing video games. Also like swimming in general. And as I mentioned, I love traveling with my family or friends.
PI: Would you say you are more of an introvert or extrovert?
DCU: Kind of somewhere in between, leaning towards being an extrovert.
PI: Describe yourself in just three words.
DCU: Fun, flexible and humble.
PI: Who is the most important person in your life?
DCU: It is definitely my mom!
PI: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
DCU: To become stronger and quicker. And to improve myself the best way possible.
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