**Stanford Basketball Welcomes Transfer Guard Derin Saran**
**STANFORD, Calif.** – In a promising move for Stanford’s Men’s Basketball team, Kyle Smith, under the official title of Anne and Tony Joseph Director of Men’s Basketball, has shared the news of Derin Saran’s transfer to Stanford from UC Irvine. Saran, who made a mark in his freshman year playing for the Big West champions, is now set to continue his collegiate basketball journey with the Cardinal.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Smith remarked, “Stanford basketball is set to embrace a talent like Derin, who not only has shown his prowess on the court but also cherishes the academic and athletic excellence that Stanford stands for. His tenure as point guard at UC Irvine has definitely prepared him for the challenges ahead.”
Saran, hailing from Istanbul, Turkey, showcased remarkable skills in his 2023-24 season at UC Irvine. Standing tall at 6-4, the guard posted averages of 10.01 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, complemented by a 50.2 percent shooting from the field and 34.9 percent from beyond the arc. His consistent performance, achieving double figures in 16 games and hitting a personal best of 17 points on two occasions, underscores his scoring capability and versatility on the floor.
“With Derin’s impressive size and talent as a guard, we’re confident in his ability to contribute significantly and adapt well to the competitive landscape of Stanford basketball,” Smith elaborated. “Derin’s future is bright with us, and we are excited for the growth and achievements we’ll share together as a team.”
Before his collegiate career, Saran polished his skills at the Asheville School in North Carolina, where he made significant contributions, averaging 19.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in his senior year. This performance was crucial in leading his high school team to the NCISAA Class 3A semifinals and also earned him a nomination for the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year.
Saran’s basketball journey also touches the international stage, having represented Turkey in the under-19 and U20 national teams, further enriching his experience and understanding of the game.
This off-season, Saran joins Oziyah Sellers from USC as one of the key transfers to Stanford, marking a significant step in the team’s preparation under Smith’s first year of leadership.
**End of Release**