KG12 BASKETBALL ACADEMY

ABOUT KG12 BASKETBALL ACADEMY

Kerem Gonlum is a former Euroleague star player who has relocated to London and is giving back to the next generation through his KG12 Basketball Academy.  KG12 is about learning to play from one of the best players in Europe, while also benefitting from the life lessons learnt through a highly successful international career that featured match ups against Lebron James, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Kerem started his career in Ankara Sekerspor. He was transferred to TED Kolejliler in the 1997-1998 season. In the 1998-1999 season, he played in the A team and played in the 1st league. After playing at TED Ankara College for 2 years, he moved on to Ülkerspor, where he would play for 6 years.

Kerem caught the eye of NBA legendary coach Greg Popovich during an international game between Turkey and Team USA in the summer of 2004, and was offered a contract offer from the San Antonio Spurs, one of the most successful NBA teams of the time.  Unfortunately, still under contract from his club Ülkerspor, he was not able to take the offer which prevented him from playing in the NBA.  

The following season Kerem transferred to Anadolu Efes at the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, where he continued his career in the Euroleague.  The 6’11 big man enjoyed 15 successful years in Euroleague, playing an impressive 242 games.  During his glittering career he was named as one of the Euroloeague’s All-Time Best Rebounders, hauling down an incredible 1199 rebounds.             He remains on the all-time Euroleage top rebounders list to this day.

Alongside a stellar club career, ‘KG12’ played 178 games with the Turkısh National team, an incredible feat by anyone’s measure.  Representing one of the top basketball nations in the world is a major achievement for any player – to do this 178 times speaks to the level of Kerem’s talent, dedication and ability. 

Kerem Gonlum is one of the most important players in the history of TBL and Euroleague. Since 1998, he has played in more than 500 games in the TBL and exceeded the threshold of 4000 points and 3000 rebounds.  He is one of the most respected Turkish power forwards/centres of all time and made a global mark with his excellent defensive and rebounding ability.

In addition to the 2004 impressive game vs Team USA (featuring NBA legends such as Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony), Kerem also faced NBA superstars again in the 2010 World Cup final where he played well against a star lineup of Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Steph Curry. ​

Career Milestones:
Silver medal in World Cup 2010
World no:6 in World Cup 2006
2 Turkish National League Champion
10 times Turkish Cup Winner
8 Times President Cup Winner
6 times All-Star selection in Turkish top league
1 time Euroleague player of the week
3 times MVP in Turkish Cup
2 Time ‘All-League’ selection in Turkey National League
2 Time ‘Best Turkish Player of the season’ selection