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Besiktas forward Kerem Konan, a 2004-born prospect, will continue his career in the NCAA after committing to Creighton University for the 2025-26 season.
Konan is the latest European talent to choose the college pathway in the United States, a trend gaining momentum following new NCAA rules introduced this summer. The updated framework allows universities to directly compensate athletes, reshaping the global basketball landscape.
Under the new system, each NCAA program is permitted to allocate approximately $20.5 million annually to player payments. This “salary cap” will increase by at least 4% every year over the course of a 10-year agreement. The change has fueled debate in European basketball circles, where concerns over losing young prospects to U.S. colleges are on the rise.
Konan is not alone in heading stateside. Ahead of the 2025-26 season, Anadolu Efes products Melih Tunca, Mehmet Efe Demirel, and Salih Altuntas; Tofas center Ege Demir; and Galatasaray guard Efe Vatan have also committed to NCAA programs.
Kerem Kuthan Konan, born Oct. 9, 2004, in Denizli, Türkiye, is a 2.07-meter power forward regarded as one of the brightest young names in Turkish basketball. He began his career in Bandirma’s youth system before joining Besiktas in 2021. Konan spent the 2022-23 season on loan with Montenegrin side SC Derby.
In 2024, he was named “Young Player of the Season” in the Turkish Basketball Super League, further boosting his profile. His departure from Besiktas followed disputes between the club and his management company over salary and contract terms. While Besiktas stated it made a significant offer, the management opted to pursue opportunities abroad.
Now set to wear the Creighton Bluejays uniform in 2025-26, Konan is seen as a symbol of the new generation of Turkish players seeking to build their careers outside Europe.
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