Derin Saran, a talented guard who was predicted to be one of the Big West Conference’s best players for the 2025-2026 season, is returning to UC Irvine after a brief stint at Stanford.
This move, announced on May 4, 2025, marks a full-circle moment for Saran, who began his college career with the Anteaters before transferring to the Cardinal last year.
From UC Irvine to Stanford and Back
Saran, a 6’4” guard from Istanbul, Turkey, first made an impact at UC Irvine during the 2023-2024 season, as a freshman, he played a key role for the Anteaters, helping them secure the Big West regular-season title with an impressive 24-10 overall record and a 17-3 mark in conference play.
Source: Stanford transfer Derin Saran — who began his career at UC Irvine — is transferring back to UC Irvine.
Should be one of the best players in the Big West in 2025-26.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 4, 2025
He had a total average of 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game with 50.2 percent shooting efficiency from the field.
Following that successful freshman campaign, he decided to transfer to Stanford in May 2024. He joined new head coach Kyle Smith’s roster as the third transfer portal acquisition for the Cardinal in that offseason.
However, his time at Stanford didn’t pan out as expected. He didn’t find the role or fit he was looking for in Palo Alto, the primary reason for his return to UC Irvine.
Why Saran’s Return Is a Big Deal for UC Irvine
The Anteaters recently lost key guard Myles Che, who transferred to Chattanooga after the 2023-2024 season, leaving a gap in their backcourt.
Che, who had a total average of 7.5 points per game in his freshman year, was also one of several departures that left UC Irvine needing a go-to player. Saran, who has a proven track record in the Big West, perfectly fills the position.
With Saran back in the fold, UC Irvine is well-positioned to compete for another Big West title in 2025-2026. The conference is known for its parity, with programs like UC Santa Barbara, Hawaii, and Long Beach State often vying for the top spot.
However, UC Irvine’s consistency under Turner gives them an edge, and Saran’s return only strengthens their case.
As the next season approaches, all eyes will be on Saran and the Anteaters to see if they can live up to the hype. Head coach Russell Turner will have his men ready to compete, and with their new addition leading the way, the team could be in for a special year.
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