Alperen Şengün is one of those names that echoes through NBA arenas as proof that talent knows no borders. Born in Giresun, a coastal city in northern Turkey, on July 25, 2002, this 6’11” (2.11 m), 243-pound (110 kg) bundle of pure determination has turned the Houston Rockets into a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. At just 23 years old, Şengün is no longer the “Baby Jokić” that people labeled him early in his career—he is simply Alperen: a center who passes like a point guard, rebounds like a warrior, and scores with the touch of a wing. His journey—from early dominance in Europe to explosive performances in the United States—has inspired a new generation of basketball fans worldwide.
Early Steps in Turkey: From Giresun to the European Stage
Şengün’s story begins far from the bright lights of Istanbul or Ankara, in a humble family where basketball was more of a distant dream than an immediate reality. The son of a construction worker, Alperen discovered the sport at age 12 on the streets and local courts. His natural feel for post play quickly caught the eye of Beşiktaş scouts, one of Turkey’s basketball giants. By 15, he was already in their youth system, standing out for his rare court vision for a big man.
In the 2018–19 season, playing for Banvit’s U19 team, Şengün led them to the Turkish Youth League title and won MVP honors. His averages—20 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists per game—were jaw-dropping for a teenager. The following year, promoted to Beşiktaş’s senior team, he took the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL) by storm. In 2020–21, at just 18, he was named regular-season MVP with 19.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His blend of classic low-post footwork and pinpoint passing made him look like a veteran among veterans.
NBA scouts took notice. In the 2021 Draft, Şengün was selected 16th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediately traded to the Houston Rockets in a deal involving future picks. For Houston, rebuilding around young talents like Jalen Green, it was a no-brainer to acquire a skilled big man. Arriving in the U.S. barely speaking English, Alperen faced cultural and physical challenges in the world’s toughest league. Yet his humility and work ethic allowed him to adapt fast.
Arrival in the NBA: Rapid Growth and Early Success
His rookie season (2021–22) was all about learning. In 72 games (13 starts), he averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 20.7 minutes. Early criticism focused on his defense—seen as below NBA standards—but his touch around the rim and playmaking ability made him a wildcard in coach Stephen Silas’s system. The Rockets won only 20 games that year, but Şengün flashed brilliance, like a 23-point, 10-rebound night against the Lakers.
The real breakout came in 2022–23. Starting 72 of 75 games, he jumped to 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in nearly 29 minutes. His chemistry with Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. turned Houston’s offense into something fluid and unpredictable. He finished among the league leaders in offensive rebounds for centers, proving his basketball IQ was a lethal weapon.
In 2023–24, he cemented himself with 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 63 games (limited by injuries). When healthy, he was dominant. He recorded his first career triple-double—45 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists—against the Phoenix Suns, setting a Turkish record in the NBA. His pick-and-roll passing became the stuff of highlight reels and positive memes.
2024–25 Season: Playoffs, All-Star, and the Big Contract
2024 was the definitive turning point. In October, Şengün signed a five-year, $185 million extension with the Rockets—official recognition that he is the cornerstone of the franchise. He played all 76 games as a starter, posting 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 31.5 minutes. His four triple-doubles that season put him among the league’s top rebounders and fifth in made two-point field goals. Defensively, he made huge strides, finishing 11th in the NBA in defensive rating.
Under new head coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets finished second in the West, fueled by a 12-wins-in-13-games stretch in March 2025. In the playoffs, Şengün made a memorable debut against the Golden State Warriors. Across seven games, he averaged 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals—leading Houston in the postseason. Though they fell in seven games, his battles against veterans like Draymond Green and Kevon Looney showed maturity beyond his years.
The crowning moment came in February 2025: Şengün was selected as an All-Star reserve, becoming only the second Turk in NBA history to earn the honor (after Mehmet Okur in 2007). He scored 4 points in limited minutes in Indiana, but simply being there symbolized his rise.
Recent Updates: 2025–26 Season and Unstoppable Brilliance
As the 2025–26 season rolls on, Şengün keeps raising the bar. Through 13 games, he’s averaging 22.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and a stunning 7.4 assists, shooting 50.3% from the field and a career-best 45.9% from three—an enormous leap in his perimeter game. He already has a four-game streak of 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists—the longest ever by a center aged 23 or younger.
Highlights include:
- November 14, 2025 vs. Portland: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks, _trim 4 threes—making him the youngest player ever to hit or exceed those marks in a single game.
- November 12 vs. Oklahoma City: 39 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 threes.
- November 19 vs. Cleveland: 28 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists in a 114–104 win—his fifth straight victory for Houston and the first time in franchise history a Rocket recorded 25-10-5 in three consecutive games.
His 74.5% free-throw shooting (on 7.5 attempts) reflects quiet improvement born from mental focus he calls “silent treatment”—fewer words, more action.
Off the court, Şengün has rejected the “Baby Jokić” label. In recent interviews he says plainly: “I’m Alperen Şengün, not a copy of anyone.” His emerging leadership is clear in practice with rookies and in his donations to youth sports projects back in Giresun.
Turkish National Team: EuroBasket Silver and National Pride
The summer of 2025 was legendary for Şengün and Turkey. At EuroBasket in Germany, he led the team to silver, beating Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece in the semifinals with a 19-point, 12-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. He earned All-Tournament honors and qualified Turkey for the 2027 World Cup. Wearing the red-and-white jersey remains sacred to him: “Playing for Turkey reminds me where I came from,” he said after the final loss to Spain.
Playing Style: Versatility That Defies Categories
What makes Şengün special is his refusal to fit one mold. In the post, he uses fakes and hooks straight out of Hakeem Olajuwon’s playbook (fitting, since he plays in the Dream’s city). Yet his 7.4 assists per game put him in the same conversation as Jokić as a passing big. His three-point shooting jump (from a career 27.2% to 45.9% this season) forces defenses to guard him everywhere.
Defensively, he’s evolved from a liability to an elite rebounder and shot-altering presence (1.4 steals per game). Critics still point to occasional lapses in rotations, but his IQ more than compensates for any lack of elite athleticism. In short, he plays like a 1990s post monster with the brain of a 2020s point guard.
The Future: MVP Candidate and a True Rockets Contender
Analysts currently rank him as the sixth-best player in the NBA this season—ahead of names like Paolo Banchero and Scottie Barnes. With Houston eyeing deep playoff runs, Şengün is the heart of the team. Trade rumors have been silenced by his massive contract, and he looks primed for All-NBA honors and beyond.
Comparisons to Jokić? The career arc feels similar—from overlooked talent to MVP contender—but Alperen is carving his own path, inspiring young Turkish players and global fans alike. At 23, he has years to rewrite history.
Conclusion: An Icon on the Rise
Alperen Şengün isn’t just a center—he’s a phenomenon bridging continents through basketball. From the streets of Giresun to the Toyota Center spotlight, his journey is one of overcoming odds and pure genius. As the Rockets dream of championships, the world watches a Turk redefine the game. The future? As bright as his recent threes. Stay tuned—Şengün is only getting started.
