Enes Kanter is one of the prized prodigies of Nihat Izic, who was appointed by the Turkish Commission for Youth Basketball in 1994. Izic was asked to lead a new program for the development of young players in Turkey. The goal was to develop players that could compete for the Senior National Team.

"I've known him since he was like this," said Izic, bringing his right hand up to his waist.

"Enes was always a big kid and pushed the other kids around. He's always had the competitive mentality. That is inside of him. And if they are patient in Utah, they will see he can be a very important player."