TURKEY BOUND - Ukic leaves NBA for Turkey

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Croatia's Roko-Leni Ukic is arriving in Turkey sooner than expected after being granted his release from the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 25-year-old point guard received little playing time behind rookie Brandon Jennings and veteran Luke Ridnour and asked to be let out of his contract so he could sign for Fenerbahce Ulker.

He will now try to help the Istanbul giants reach the Top 16 of the Euroleague.

Ukic was a leading player with Lottomatica Roma under Jasmin Repesa when he decided to join the Toronto Raptors, the team that held his draft rights, before the 2008-09 campaign.

He played in 72 games, but only averaged 12.4 minutes.

After being sent to Milwaukee over the summer in a trade with Carlos Delfino for the Bucks' Amir Johnson, Ukic hoped for more playing time but most of the backcourt minutes have been gobbled up by rookie Jennings.

Ironically, Jennings signed for Roma after Ukic's departure but played 17 minutes per game last season in Italy’s top flight.

At Milwaukee, Jennings is averaging 34.6 per contest and is a strong candidate to be named Rookie of the Year.

Ukic is almost certain to play for Croatia at the FIBA World Championship.

Croatia will compete in Group B against Brazil, Slovenia, Iran, Tunisia and the United States.

The Americans will have a full squad of NBA players in Istanbul.

FIBA