Saint Mary's adds Miami transfer Salih Altuntas to rebuild frontcourt

Salih Altuntas, a 6-foot-10, 274-pound center from Istanbul, Turkey, committed to Saint Mary's after one season at Miami.

Altuntas came to Miami as a young international big with size, touch around the rim and long-term upside. Now he is headed to Saint Mary's, where he has a much clearer path toward becoming a contributor.

Salih Altuntas lands at Saint Mary's

Before joining the Hurricanes, Altuntas played for Istanbul Anka Spor and Anadolu Efes' U-19 team in Turkey during the 2024-25 season. He averaged 10.1 points and 9.2 rebounds in 19 games for Istanbul Anka Spor, then averaged 15.2 points, 13.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals in 13 games for Anadolu Efes' U-19 team.

He also played for Turkey in multiple FIBA youth events. He put up 9.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game at the 2025 FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B event. He averaged 11.6 points and 7.6 rebounds at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, 8.1 points and 4.3 rebounds at the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket, 3.0 points and 3.6 rebounds at the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship and 3.3 points and 5.9 rebounds at the 2022 FIBA U16 European Championship.

Altuntas appeared in 32 games for Miami as a freshman and averaged 1.6 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 65.7% from the field. He did not start, played 7.9 minutes per game and finished with 13 blocks, 20 offensive rebounds and 42 defensive rebounds on the season. His best game came against Delaware State, when he posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He also scored 10 points against North Florida.

Saint Mary's is entering a new era under Mickey McConnell, who was promoted after Randy Bennett left for Arizona State following 25 seasons leading the Gaels. McConnell had been part of the program as both a former player and associate head coach.

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