Vanderbilt basketball has secured a transfer commitment from Berke Buyuktuncel, formerly of Nebraska. The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds last season.
Key points
Vanderbilt basketball signs Berke Buyuktuncel from Nebraska
Buyuktuncel is 6-foot-10 and weighs 244 pounds
He averaged 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds in the last season
He recorded a triple-double against North Dakota
He performed well against Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament
Vanderbilt basketball lands transfer Berke Buyuktuncel of Nebraska, per report
Berke Buyuktuncel, a transfer forward from Nebraska, has signed with Vanderbilt basketball as its first portal commit, according to a report from On3 Sports on April 17.
The 6-foot-10, 244-pound Buyuktuncel spent one season at UCLA and two with the Cornhuskers. In 2025-26, he averaged 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting 46.8% from the field. He recorded a triple-double in a game against North Dakota and also performed well against the Commodores in the second round of the Men's NCAA Tournament, recording 12 points and four rebounds.
Mar 21, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington stands on the sidelines during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington reacts to a call during the first half of a SEC tournament quarterfinal game against Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026.
Q&A
Who is Berke Buyuktuncel and where did he transfer from?
Berke Buyuktuncel is a 6-foot-10 forward who transferred to Vanderbilt from Nebraska.
What were Berke Buyuktuncel's stats at Nebraska?
At Nebraska, Buyuktuncel averaged 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season.
What notable performance did Berke Buyuktuncel have in his college career?
He recorded a triple-double in a game against North Dakota and scored 12 points with four rebounds against Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament.
What position does Berke Buyuktuncel play for Vanderbilt basketball?
Berke Buyuktuncel plays as a forward for Vanderbilt basketball.
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Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington signals to the team during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington makes a point to the referee during their semifinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena against Florida in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington stands on the sidelines during a men’s college basketball game between the Tennessee Vols and Vanderbilt Commodores, held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., March 7, 2026.
Feb 18, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington reacts to play against the Missouri Tigers during the first half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Feb 14, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington reacts after a called foul against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt basketball coach Mark Byington and his son, Chase, who plays basketball for Ensworth High School pose for a photograph at the Huber Center Friday, Feb.13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
Jan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington yells to his team against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington talks with guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the first half against Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team as they face Florida during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
Dec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington and forward Ak Okereke (10) talk during a break in action against the Central Arkansas Bears during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington talks with an official during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against SMU Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
Nov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington looks down court against the Texas Southern Tigers during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt basketball coach Mark Byington speaks to players in the visiting locker room at Bartow Arena after the Commodores' 89-67 victory over UAB in an Oct. 23 exhibition game.
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington works the sideline during the first half of an NCAA Tournament First Round game at Rocket Arena on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: Head coach Mark Byington of the Vanderbilt Commodores looks on against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington argues his case during the first half at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
Mar 8, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington on the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Arkansas during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Arkansas during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Missouri during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches his team face Missouri during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Feb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington shakes hands with Mississippi Rebels guard Jaylen Murray (5) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington paces the sidelines against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 19, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington directs his players during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington yells to the court during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches his team face Auburn during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington directs his players during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Mark Byington of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts during the first half against the Florida Gators at Stephen C. O'Connell Center on February 04, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Feb 1, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington gestures to his team on a play against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington tries to get the referees to acknowledge his timeout late in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
Jan 21, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington gives insturctions during the game with Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Vanderbilt Commodores Head Coach Mark Byington works the sideline against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Head Coach Mark Byington of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts to a play during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on January 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Vanderbilt Commodores Head Coach Mark Byington works the sideline against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches his team face against South Carolina during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches the action against South Carolina during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
Jan 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington yells at players against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jan 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington enters the court prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Mississippi State during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Mississippi State during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Mississippi State during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington shouts to his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington directs his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington looks to his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington talks with guard M.J. Collins Jr. (2) during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
Oct 15, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Mark Byington speaks as he is introduced as Vanderbilt’s new men’s basketball coach at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Mark Byington walks to the stage as he is introduced as Vanderbilt’s new men’s basketball coach at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 28, 2024.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Mar 21, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington stands on the sidelines during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Mar 21, 2026; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington stands on the sidelines during the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington reacts to a call during the first half of a SEC tournament quarterfinal game against Tennessee at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 13, 2026.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington signals to the team during the first half of the SEC tournament championship game against Arkansas at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt coach Mark Byington makes a point to the referee during their semifinal game of the 2026 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena against Florida in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 14, 2026.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington stands on the sidelines during a men’s college basketball game between the Tennessee Vols and Vanderbilt Commodores, held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., March 7, 2026.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Feb 18, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington reacts to play against the Missouri Tigers during the first half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Feb 14, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington reacts after a called foul against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball coach Mark Byington and his son, Chase, who plays basketball for Ensworth High School pose for a photograph at the Huber Center Friday, Feb.13, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Jan 31, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington yells to his team against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Jan 24, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington talks with guard Tyler Tanner (3) during the first half against Mississippi State at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team as they face Florida during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Dec 13, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington and forward Ak Okereke (10) talk during a break in action against the Central Arkansas Bears during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington talks with an official during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against SMU Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Nov 20, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington looks down court against the Texas Southern Tigers during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball coach Mark Byington speaks to players in the visiting locker room at Bartow Arena after the Commodores' 89-67 victory over UAB in an Oct. 23 exhibition game.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington works the sideline during the first half of an NCAA Tournament First Round game at Rocket Arena on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 21: Head coach Mark Byington of the Vanderbilt Commodores looks on against the Saint Mary's Gaels during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 21, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington argues his case during the first half at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 12, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Mar 8, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington on the sidelines against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Arkansas during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Arkansas during the second half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Missouri during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches his team face Missouri during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 1, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Feb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington shakes hands with Mississippi Rebels guard Jaylen Murray (5) during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Feb 22, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington paces the sidelines against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Feb 19, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington directs his players during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington yells to the court during a men’s college basketball game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches his team face Auburn during the first half at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington directs his players during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Mark Byington of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts during the first half against the Florida Gators at Stephen C. O'Connell Center on February 04, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Feb 1, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington gestures to his team on a play against the Oklahoma Sooners during the first half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington tries to get the referees to acknowledge his timeout late in the game against the Kentucky Wildcats during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Jan 21, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington gives insturctions during the game with Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores Head Coach Mark Byington works the sideline against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Head Coach Mark Byington of the Vanderbilt Commodores reacts to a play during the first half of the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Vanderbilt University Memorial Gymnasium on January 18, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores Head Coach Mark Byington works the sideline against the Tennessee Volunteers during their game at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches his team face against South Carolina during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington watches the action against South Carolina during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Jan 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington yells at players against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Jan 11, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington enters the court prior to a game against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Mississippi State during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Mississippi State during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt head coach Mark Byington works with his team against Mississippi State during the first half at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington shouts to his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington directs his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington looks to his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington watches his players during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Vanderbilt basketball head coach Mark Byington talks with guard M.J. Collins Jr. (2) during an NCAA college basketball game against California Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Oct 15, 2024; Birmingham, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Mark Byington talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Mark Byington speaks as he is introduced as Vanderbilt’s new men’s basketball coach at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 28, 2024.
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Mark Byington, Vanderbilt basketball coach in second season with Commodores
Mark Byington walks to the stage as he is introduced as Vanderbilt’s new men’s basketball coach at Memorial Gym in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Buyuktuncel's biggest impact came on the defensive end. He recorded 34 blocks and 29 steals while also having more assists (62) than turnovers (38).
He will be a key piece as coach Mark Byington reloads Vanderbilt's frontcourt after losing Jalen Washington and Devin McGlockton. A lack of size and rim protection was an issue for the Commodores at times in 2025-26.
