Penn State Basketball Signs Turkish Guard With 'Vast' International Experience

Penn State men's basketball announced the signing of Melih Tunca, a 6-5 guard from Turkey who will join the Nittany Lions this season. Penn State coach Mike Rhoades called Tunca a "versatile guard" who brings "vast" international experience to the program.

“Melih is a versatile guard we are excited to have in our family," Rhoades said in a statement. "He has size and length that we love, with the ability to make plays and shots. Melih really fits our style of play on both ends. His vast international playing experience will have him ready to impact our program.”

Tunca, who is from Istanbul, played professionally last season for Turk Telekom in Turkey's top professional league, the Basketbol Super Ligi. He earned the league's award for Young Player of the Regular Season after averaring 6.7 points, 2.2 assists and 1.1 rebounds in 17 games.

Tunca shot 50 percent from the field, 47.5 percent from 3-point range and 96.4 percent from the foul line. His season high was 19 points. Tunca professionally for Anadolu Efes during the 2023-24 season.

Tunca played for Turkey in the 2024 FIBA U20 European Championships, averaging 17.6 points and 6.4 assists per game. He also averaged 15.7 points for Turkey in the 2023 U18 European Championships and helped the U19 national team to the bronze medal at the 2023 U19 World Cup.

"I’m excited to announce that I have committed to Penn State University for the upcoming season," Tunca said in a statement posted to Instagram. "This is a big step in my basketball journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. I want to sincerely thank Coach Mike Rhoades and the entire Penn State coaching staff for believing in me and making me feel welcomed throughout this process. I’m looking forward to representing the Nittany Lions and giving everything I have both on and off the court. Let’s get to work!"