www.somdnews.com/stories/05202009/entetop164046_32230.shtml
Ryken standouts decide their futuresSonmez, Sirin headed on to Division I schools
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
By KAYVON T. POURMAND
Staff writer
Ryken's Gorkem Sonmez, pictured, heads to Radford, while teammate Gokhan Sirin will move on to UNC-Charlotte.
The St. Mary's Ryken boys basketball team imported two Turkish basketball players this season and watched as each became a vital component of the Knights' success.
Soon, the Knights will watch as Gorkem Sonmez and Gokhan Sirin leave to pursue their basketball interests at Division I colleges. Recently, Sonmez announced his intention to play for Radford in the fall, while Sirin will join the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
For many high school athletes, one of the deciding factors in choosing a college is the coaching staff. Such was the case with Sonmez who said one of Radford's assistant coaches, Ali Ton, was a big reason he chose the Highlanders.
Sonmez said Ton was also a big reason Sonmez came to the United States in the first place, as he helped him relocate here and begin playing for Ryken a year ago.
"Before I came here, [Ton] helped me get into the States," Sonmez said. "I think it will be a good place to develop my basketball abilities."
Sonmez also chose Radford for the chance to play sooner rather than later. He has desires on someday playing professional basketball –– whether it be in the U.S. or his native country. To help him obtain that goal, he opted for a spot at Radford where he might have the chance to play early in his career instead of sitting like most other players.
"They really need a player in my position –– the 2 and 3," Sonmez said. "I can easily get a chance to play right away."
Sonmez plans to major in something along the lines of sports management. Once his playing career is over, he hopes to start a career in some type of basketball management, whether it is coaching or something else.
"After I retire from playing basketball, I want to have a job involving basketball in my country," Sonmez said.
Sirin's choice of UNC-Charlotte is based upon similar reasoning. Sirin spurned offers from other schools, including Georgetown, to play in Charlotte where he will play immediately instead of sitting for several years.
"Maybe I can play in my first year, maybe 20 to 25 minutes," Sirin said. "I felt that I can improve my [skills] in Charlotte –– that was the biggest thing."
He said his official visit to Charlotte also played a huge part in his decision, saying "it just felt like I should go to college there." He said his future coaches and teammates made him feel like he was already part of the family.
"When I went there for my official visit, I felt more comfortable," Sirin said. "It felt like a family. I think I'm going to improve myself playing there."
Also like Sonmez, Sirin has plans of playing professionally, whether it is here or overseas, and he said he is still undecided for his major.
"He's ready," Ryken head coach Dave Tallman said of Sirin. "He's one of the most skilled big men you'll ever see. He's definitely got to get stronger but he knows that. … He had a wide range of schools [to choose from]. He wants to go somewhere where he will play, but he also wants to go somewhere where he will be challenged. I think Charlotte is a great fit for him."
Tallman noted that both players are physically gifted athletes, players he expects to transition well not only to college level basketball, but also beyond.
"He's got the body for it, he's got the strength and size," Tallman said of Sonmez. "He'll play more of his true position, whereas here he had to play inside for us. I know Radford is very excited to have him."