Youngest Turkish Professional player is hoping to enter NBA

In an exciting development for basketball enthusiasts and educational institutions alike, Yagiz Yildiz, the youngest professional basketball player in Turkiye, has joined Worcester Academy for his 11th and 12th-grade studies. His presence at Worcester Academy is expected to elevate the school’s prestigious academic and athletic program and inspire fellow students and athletes and provide Yagiz with unparalleled opportunities for academic and athletic growth. His journey from Istanbul to USA marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Athletic Achievements:

• Youngest Professional Player: At just 15 years old, Yağız became the youngest professional basketball player in Turkiye during the 2022-2023 season with UskudarMunicipality.

• Scoring Prowess: Averaged 12.4 points per game, along with 7 assists and 4 rebounds, playing against opponents three years older in the Turkish Professional Basketball Tournament U18B.

• Istanbul Development League Success: Led his teams to several top finishes, including two championships with Istanbul DSI (2019-2020, 2021-2022) and a 2nd place finish with MVP Sports Club (2018-2019).

• Individual Awards: Earned a spot in the Best 1st Five in two seasons (2019-2020, 2021-2022), and won the All-Stars 3-point contest in 2018-2019 amongst basketball players live in Istanbul.

• Team Leadership: Played key roles in his teams’ successes, notably with Istanbul DSI, where his defensive efforts and playmaking abilities were instrumental in their championship runs.

Academic Excellence:

• While continuing his High School education at one of the prestigious Francophone Institutes, Saint Joseph Foundation High School, he made a significant decision by enrolling to Worcester Academy for his academic and basketball career. This is highly notable transition from a French-speaking high school to an English-speaking High School addition to relocating to a different country and culture.

• Balancing his athletic career with academic commitments, Yagiz has maintained strong academic performance, showcasing his dedication and discipline both on and off the court.

Future Aspirations:

At Worcester Academy, Yagiz aims to further hone his basketball skills and academic knowledge. He is aware of reaching to long-term dream of joining the NBA needs lots of patience, dedication, and hard-work, which can come true only step by step, such as first being a permanent player in Worcester Academy and together with his teammates adding more reasonable successes to Worcester Academy’s honorable history, and then being accepted by a prestigious University which can fulfill his both Academic and Athletic expectations such as Kinesiology and Division 1. This move is expected to elevate the school's prestigious academic and athletic program.

About Worcester Academy:

Worcester Academy is a coeducational independent school for grades 6 to 12 and postgraduates in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1834, Worcester Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous opportunities for artistic, athletic, and personal growth in a diverse and supportive community. Since 1834, Worcester Academy has been in the business of nurturing students to excel and to internalize those three qualities necessary for future success.