The men’s basketball team at Stanford University is pleased to announce the addition of a new recruit, Derin Saran, who was previously a guard for the University of California at Irvine. Saran officially committed to Stanford, making him the second player to transfer from the portal to Stanford under the leadership of coach Kyle Smith this year.
During his tenure with the Anteaters, Saran established an impressive record, averaging 10.1 points and 1.6 assists per game. Standing at 6-foot-4, the guard is renowned for his exceptional ability to score in transition and spot-up situations, as well as his prowess as a passer. With these strengths, he is poised to be a strong contender for a starting role within the Cardinal team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In reference to the recent acquisition, Coach Smith commended Saran’s capabilities, stating, “Derin possesses good size and skill in the backcourt. His ability to score and make plays with a high usage rate should translate well as he levels up to Stanford.”
Saran’s contributions to the UC Irvine team led to an impressive 24-10 overall record, with a remarkable 17-3 in the Big West conference. The team received a bid to the NIT, where they unfortunately suffered a defeat by Utah in the first round. However, Saran’s performance has underscored his potential as an impact player at the highest levels of college basketball, and his transition to Stanford is eagerly anticipated.
As he joins the Cardinal, Saran will be facing a new level of competition in the ACC. Nonetheless, his early career achievements and skillset indicate that he has the capacity to excel in this new environment. With his arrival, Stanford is anticipating a strengthened lineup and an impressive season ahead.