SAN JOSE, Calif. - Tibet Görener did something over the summer that only one other Spartan in history has done - play in the FIBA World Cup. The sophomore transfer from the University of Arizona had signed his letter of intent to join San Jose State men's basketball just a few weeks prior to the announcement that he was going to lace up for Turkey at the U19 World Cup in Latvia. By doing so, he joined Spartan great Darnell Hillsman as just the second SJSU player to play in the World Cup. Not only did he play, Görener was very impressive in his seven games with Turkey, finishing second on the team with 10.3 points per game while shooting 42.9 percent from the floor.
The 2021 FIBA World Cup was not the first international experience for Görener. The small forward also helped lead the Turkish National Team to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIBA U16A European Championships where he averaged a team-high 14.4 points per game and shot nearly 40 percent from beyond the arc.
Görener first came to the United States prior to the start of his junior year. After one season playing for Monteverde Academy in Florida, he moved to Southern California to play his senior season at Orange Lutheran High. Görener impressed recruiting experts enough to earn a four-star ranking and was rated as the No. 142 player overall according to 247 sports. He signed with the Arizona Wildcats and played in eight games last season before deciding to play for the Spartans.
Read on to learn more about Tibet in today's Meet the Spartans feature.
Why did you decide to come to San Jose State?
"I had a great relationship with David Miller (former Arizona Men's Basketball Director of On-Campus Recruiting and Basketball Analytics, and current SJSU Assistant Coach), and then throughout the period of my recruitment I got pretty close with Coach Miles. I was just looking for a chance and they gave it to me, and I'm very thankful for it."
How has your time in San Jose been so far?
"My time has been great so far. Getting to meet new teammates and the new staff, and just getting to live in San Jose has been great."
What are you looking forward to the most this season?
"Just playing and getting out there with my teammates. We want to turn this program around and get a good season under our belts."
How has it been getting to know your new teammates?
"I feel like throughout the short time we've been here that everyone has gotten close. We definitely have a good bond among us players. Everyone likes the coaches and we all have a great relationship right now."
How was your time playing in the FIBA U19 World Cup?
"I had a good time. We were in hopes for a podium finish, but we got ninth and that was kind of disappointing. Besides that it was a good experience and I'm always proud to represent my country."
What has been your favorite memory on the basketball court?
"Probably when we (Turkey) had a 13-point comeback in the fourth quarter against France in the European Championship. We won by six and that was probably one of my favorite moments on the court."
If you could play another sport at San Jose State which would you choose?
"I would probably choose soccer. Growing up in Europe, that is the big thing and I've always been into it. I might be too tall for it, but I'd give it a try."
What are your goals for the season?
"My team goals are to just have a great first season with the staff and players. We are definitely going to surprise some people, in my opinion. Personally, I just want to contribute and be a part of this great team."
What is something about you that Spartan Fans would be interested to know?
"Back in primary school I used to change continents to go to school. I would live in Asia and take the bridge over to Europe to go to school. Where I lived in Turkey, one side of the city is in Asia and the other is in Europe."