What has Furkan Korkmaz been up to these days? The Sixers’ 2016 26th overall pick received Best Young Player honors in the Basketball Champions League (BCL) this weekend.
Korkmaz, 19, stayed overseas after he was selected by the Sixers last year. He began the season playing for Anadolu Efes and joined Banvit on loan for the opportunity to get more playing time.
Korkmaz is averaging 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists over nine games with Banvit. On Friday he scored 13 points (4 for 6 from three), including a key late-game trey, in Banvit’s semifinals win over Monaco.
Korkmaz was aware of who was in attendance watching this performance: Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo.
“Of course, Colangelo’s visit brought extra motivation,” Korkmaz told Eurohoops.net. “My dream is to play in NBA. It’s always on my mind. I cannot think of it in the match. It did not create much pressure anyway. I just knew I had to add something, give something. I am happy to have accomplished this.”
Korkmaz is under contract with Anadolu Efes for next season.
Watch some of the highlights that earned him the Best Young Player award here: