Darius Karutasu

Draft Notes

Darius Karutasu is a big, physical wing with a versatile scoring game and an impressive combination of strength, skill and competitiveness. At 17 years old, he’s already listed around 6-7 and has been developing in the Anadolu Efes system.

Offensively, Karutasu can score from all three levels. He uses his strong frame to attack downhill, finishes well through contact and is a major factor on the glass for a wing. The outside shot is an important part of his upside and showed major progress at the 2026 U17 World Cup, where he averaged 23.3 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting 43.2% from three. He’s more of a scorer than a true creator at this stage, but flashes some passing ability attacking a moving defense.

Defensively, Karutasu brings strength, toughness and good positional versatility. He can pressure the ball, create turnovers and use his size to defend bigger wings. He’s also an excellent rebounder for his position.

The biggest question is whether he develops enough handle, burst and playmaking ability to consistently create against NBA-level defenders.

NBA Draft Room Take: Karutasu has an intriguing power-wing profile with size, shooting potential, rebounding and two-way toughness. If his shot creation catches up with his physical tools, he has significant upside.

Comparisons

• NA

Draft Projection

possible second round pick in the 2028 NBA Draft or 2029 NBA Draft or 2030 NBA Draft

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2029 SF Rankings

1. Isaiah Hamilton – 6-7 – Toronto, Canada
2. A.J. Williams – 6-7 – Hampton, GA
3. Jan Cerdan – 6-8 – FC Barcelona
4. Kameron Mercer – 6-7 – Winton Woods, OH
5. Roko Jerkic – 6-6 – Germany
6. Demarcus Henry – 6-7 – Chandler, AZ
7. Evan Willis – 6-7 – Santa Monica, CA
8. Darius Karutasu – 6-7 – Turkey
9. Kevin Wheatley Jr. – 6-6 – Rahway, NJ
10. Noah Washington – 6-5 – New Albany, IN
11. Kinston Knueppel – 6-5 – Wisconsin Lutheran, WI
12. Joseph Tala – 6-6 – Finland
13. Javon Bardwell – 6-6 – Kansas
14. Maximo Adams – 6-7 – North Carolina
15. DJ Okoth – 6-6 – Cordova, TN
16. Aziz Olajuwon – 6-6 -Stanford