Youngest Professional Basketball Player in Turkiye, Yağız Yıldız, Joins Worcester Academy

June 28, 2024
Written by Admin TOA
Published in Success Stories

Worcester, MA – In a significant development for both basketball enthusiasts and educational institutions, Yagiz Yildiz, the youngest professional basketball player in Turkey, has joined Worcester Academy for his 11th and 12th-grade studies. Yildiz's presence at Worcester Academy is expected to elevate the school’s prestigious academic and athletic programs, inspire fellow students and athletes, and provide Yildiz with unparalleled opportunities for academic and athletic growth. His journey from Istanbul to the USA marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Athletic Achievements:

Youngest Professional Player: At just 15 years old, Yagiz became the youngest professional basketball player in Turkey during the 2022-2023 season with Uskudar Municipality.

Scoring Prowess: Averaged 12.4 points per game, along with 7 assists and 4 rebounds, playing against opponents three years older in the Turkish Professional Basketball Tournament U18B.

Istanbul Development League Success: Led his teams to several top finishes, including two championships with Istanbul DSI (2019-2020, 2021-2022) and a 2nd place finish with MVP Sports Club (2018-2019).

Individual Awards: Earned a spot in the Best 1st Five in two seasons (2019-2020, 2021-2022), and won the All-Stars 3-point contest in 2018-2019 among basketball players in Istanbul.

Team Leadership: Played key roles in his teams’ successes, notably with Istanbul DSI, where his defensive efforts and playmaking abilities were instrumental in their championship runs.

Academic Excellence: Yagiz continued his high school education at the prestigious Francophone Institute, Saint Joseph Foundation High School, before making the significant decision to enroll at Worcester Academy. This transition from a French-speaking high school to an English-speaking institution, along with relocating to a different country and culture, highlights his adaptability and commitment.
Balancing his athletic career with academic commitments, Yagiz has maintained strong academic performance, showcasing his dedication and discipline both on and off the court.

Future Aspirations:
At Worcester Academy, Yagiz aims to further hone his basketball skills and academic knowledge. He recognizes that reaching his long-term dream of joining the NBA requires patience, dedication, and hard work. His immediate goals include becoming a key player at Worcester Academy, contributing to the school's storied history of athletic success, and eventually being accepted by a prestigious university that meets his academic and athletic aspirations, such as in Kinesiology and Division 1 basketball.

About Worcester Academy:
Worcester Academy is a coeducational independent school for grades 6 to 12 and postgraduates in Worcester, Massachusetts. Founded in 1834, Worcester Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous opportunities for artistic, athletic, and personal growth in a diverse and supportive community. For nearly two centuries, Worcester Academy has been dedicated to nurturing students to excel and internalize the qualities necessary for future success.