Kerem Gönlüm

Career: TED Kolej (Turkey Division 1, 1995-98), Ülker (Turkey Division 1, 1998-2005)

If Turkey ever needs a role model Kerem Gönlüm is the ultimate candidate. Although he began learning organized basketball at age 18, Gönlüm has shown the drive to excel every day since. And his growth into a star has been nothing short of breathtaking. Even though he is too lean for his position and lacks a jumper, he is so agile around the basket that you just can’t stop him getting rebounds and put-backs. He is a great athlete and a tireless worker making him an excellent help defender. He runs the floor extremely well and never hesitates to sacrifice himself for the good of the team. Add the fact that he is a true gentleman and a very mild mannered, humble personality off the court, he is what you call a distinguished “ambassador of the sport”.