Nedim Yücel

Nedim Yücel — Biography

Nedim Yücel is a former basketball player who came through the Beşiktaş youth system, also served as a captain, and now runs transfers and the roster as general manager of its basketball team. He is also general manager of the Turkish national basketball team. His move from playing to management is closely tied to Beşiktaş's EuroLeague return.

He began playing in the Beşiktaş youth system in 1991 and, after occasional spells at Pınar Karşıyaka, played from 2007 for Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyespor, Mersin Büyükşehir Belediyesi for three seasons, then Türk Telekom in Ankara and TED Ankara Kolejliler. He spent his final playing years at Darüşşafaka, Bahçeşehir Koleji and Bakırköy Basketbol. Without the height the position usually demands, he earned his place through athleticism and rebounding; he was known for a combative, ambitious style and won ten national team caps.

Having studied at Anadolu University, Yücel moved from the court to the front office. As Beşiktaş's general manager he laid out the transfer plans in summer 2026, when the team secured its EuroLeague place, saying the goal was the EuroLeague while also following NBA Europe. He has said that he never lifted a trophy as captain and hopes to do so as general manager. In July 2026 he signed a new two-year contract with Beşiktaş.