University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Add David Mutaf to 2020 Signing Class
6/5/2020 5:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball
University of Minnesota head men's basketball coach Richard Pitino announced Friday the addition of David Mutaf (Istanbul, Turkey) to the Gophers' roster. Mutaf, who has played extensively in international competition, will join the Maroon and Gold as a freshman for the upcoming season.
"We are very excited about David Mutaf. He is widely considered one of the most talented players in his age group in Europe," Pitino said. "He is an extremely talented offensive player and an exceptional 3-point shooter."
Mutaf has been a consistent double-digit scorer throughout his prep career. Most recently, he was a first team All-Season selection for his Turkish U19 team, Fenerbahce, averaging 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. He was a final four MVP in 2018-19 leading his team to the bronze medal, after averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
He has been a part of the two-time Euroleague next generation tournament qualifiers from Turkey in 2019 and 2020, and in 2018, helped lead Turkey to the bronze medal at the U16 FIBA European Championship. In that event, he averaged 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists per game.
"David's versatility was exactly what we were looking for," added Pitino. "He's a great kid and will represent our basketball program the right way."
He becomes the fifth member of the Gophers' 2020 signing class, joining transfers Liam Robbins (Drake) and Brandon Johnson (Western Michigan) along with incoming freshmen Jamal Mashburn, Jr., and Martice Mitchell.
"We are very excited about David Mutaf. He is widely considered one of the most talented players in his age group in Europe," Pitino said. "He is an extremely talented offensive player and an exceptional 3-point shooter."
Mutaf has been a consistent double-digit scorer throughout his prep career. Most recently, he was a first team All-Season selection for his Turkish U19 team, Fenerbahce, averaging 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. He was a final four MVP in 2018-19 leading his team to the bronze medal, after averaging 13.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
He has been a part of the two-time Euroleague next generation tournament qualifiers from Turkey in 2019 and 2020, and in 2018, helped lead Turkey to the bronze medal at the U16 FIBA European Championship. In that event, he averaged 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and two assists per game.
"David's versatility was exactly what we were looking for," added Pitino. "He's a great kid and will represent our basketball program the right way."
He becomes the fifth member of the Gophers' 2020 signing class, joining transfers Liam Robbins (Drake) and Brandon Johnson (Western Michigan) along with incoming freshmen Jamal Mashburn, Jr., and Martice Mitchell.
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