Alperen Şengün

Alperen Şengün was born in Giresun, northeast Turkey, on 25 July 2002. His parents wanted him to be a swimmer, but he preferred basketball, having been inspired by seeing his older brother play the sport before. He started playing basketball at the age of eight. Early on, he competed in both sports simultaneously. However, due to practical issues, like a lack of necessary time that was needed to train for both sports properly, he had to choose between the two and finally decided to continue with basketball.

In 2012, Şengün began playing youth system basketball with the youth teams of the sports club of Giresun University, where he played until 2014.

After being scouted by head coach Ahmet Gürgen during a youth sports festival, Şengün moved to Bandırma in northwest Turkey, to join the youth teams of the Turkish club Bandırma, which was then known as Banvit. By August 2014, he had signed a youth contract with Banvit. In the 2018–19 season, while competing with Banvit's juniors, Şengün eventually won the Turkish Basketball Youth League championship (which was established in 2017). Şengün was also named the Turkish Youth League's MVP.

Şengün began his professional club career in the 2018–19 TBL season with Bandırma Kırmızı, of the second-division Turkish First League (TBL). In 29 games played in Turkey's second division, he averaged 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 21.9 minutes per game, shot 47.6 percent from the field overall, 53.6 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 25.9 percent on three-point field goal attempts and 60.0 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen Sengun, Basketball Player |url=https://www.proballers.com/basketball/player/175107/alperen-sengun |website=Proballers |access-date=27 January 2024}}

Şengün joined the first division Turkish Super League (BSL) club Teksüt Bandırma, for the 2019–20 BSL season. In 22 games played in Turkey's first division, he averaged 5.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game. He shot 51.1 percent from the field overall, 57.5 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 0-for-10 on three-point field goal attempts and 58.6 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen Sengun – 2019-20 Season |url=https://www.tblstat.net/player/3076/1920 |website=TBLStat.net |access-date=27 January 2024}}

He also played in one of Europe's two secondary-level competitions, the FIBA Basketball Champions League. During the 2019–20 BCL season, he averaged 6.6 points ans 3.3 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game across 15 games played. He shot 48.0 percent from the field overall, 53.6 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 31.6 percent three-point field goal attempts and 63.6 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen SENGUN at the Basketball Champions League 2019-20 |url=https://www.championsleague.basketball/19-20/player/Alperen-Sengun |website=FIBA.basketball |access-date=27 January 2024}}

In August 2020, Şengün signed a three-year contract with the Turkish club Beşiktaş.{{cite web |date=7 August 2020 |title=Alperen Şengün Beşiktaş'ta |url=https://bjk.com.tr/tr/haber/79270/alperen-sengun-besiktasta.html |access-date=8 August 2020 |work=bjk.com.tr |language=tr}} He had an excellent regular season with Beşiktaş, as he averaged 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks in 28.3 minutes per game across 29 games played in the Basketball Super League.{{cite web |title=Alperen Sengun – 2020-21 Season |url=https://www.tblstat.net/player/3076/2021 |website=TBLStat.net |access-date=27 January 2024}} On 12 May 2021, he was named the MVP of the BSL's regular season.{{cite web |title= Alperen Sengun named Turkish BSL 2020-21 season MVP |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/tbl/1205414/alperen-sengun-named-turkish-bsl-2020-21-season-mvp/ |website=Eurohoops.net |date=12 May 2021|access-date=13 May 2021}} On the same day, he announced his decision to enter the 2021 NBA draft.{{cite web |last=Givony |first=Johnathan |date=12 May 2021 |title=Alperen Sengun, No. 14 basketball prospect in ESPN Top 100, to enter NBA draft |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31432025 |access-date=13 May 2021 |website=ESPN.com}}

Overall, in Turkey's 2020–21 BSL season, in 28.1 minutes per game, he averaged 18.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks in 34 games played. He shot 62.6 percent from the field overall, 66.7 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 21.2 percent on three-point field goal attempts and 81.2 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen Şengün – Türkiye Basketbol Federasyonu |url=https://www.tbf.org.tr/ligler/bsl-2020-2021/basketbolcu-detay/260291 |website=tbf.org.tr |access-date=27 January 2024 |language=tr}} He also played with Beşiktaş in the fourth-level European-wide competition, the FIBA Europe Cup. In the Europe Cup's 2020–21 season, in 29.7 minutes per game, he averaged 23.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals and two blocks in three games played. He shot 71.0 percent from the field overall, 75.9 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 0–2 on three-point field goal attempts and 69.4 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen SENGUN at the FIBA Europe Cup 2020-21 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/europecup/20-21/player/Alperen-Sengun |website=FIBA.basketball |access-date=27 January 2024}}

File:Alperen Şengün Houston Rockets vs Cleveland Cavaliers 2021-12-15 (51761119748) (cropped).jpg

Before the 2021 NBA draft, Şengün was projected to be a potential lottery draft pick but was drafted outside the lottery and selected with the 16th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder. After being drafted, the Thunder traded him to the Houston Rockets for two future first-round picks.{{cite web |date=21 September 2022 |title=Rockets acquire 16th pick Alperen Sengun in trade with Thunder |url=https://www.nba.com/news/rockets-acquire-16th-pick-alperen-sengun-in-trade-with-thunder |access-date=31 July 2021 |website=nba.com}}{{Cite web |last=Hollinger |first=John |date=28 April 2021 |title=2021 NBA draft: A high lottery pick hiding in Turkey? Scouting Alperen Sengun and other international players to know |url=https://theathletic.com/2547988/2021/04/28/2021-nba-draft-a-high-lottery-pick-hiding-in-turkey-scouting-alperen-sengun-and-other-international-players-to-know |website=The Athletic |access-date=27 January 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Luke |date=12 May 2021 |title=Potential Lottery Pick Alperen Sengun Enters 2021 Draft |url=https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2021/05/potential-lottery-pick-alperen-sengun-enters-2021-draft.html |access-date=12 May 2021 |website=Hoops Rumors}} On 7 August 2021, he signed a contract with the Rockets.{{cite web |last=Joshi |first=Hiren |date=6 August 2021 |title=Rockets Sign Josh Christopher and Alperen Sengun |url=https://www.nba.com/rockets/news/rockets-sign-josh-christopher-and-alperen-sengun |access-date=8 August 2021 |website=nba.com}} On 20 October, Şengün made his NBA debut, putting up 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals in a 124–106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.{{cite web|url=https://www.thedreamshake.com/2021/10/20/22737435/houston-rockets-struggle-in-opener-fall-124-106-to-minnesota-timberwolves-christian-wood-jalen-green|title=Rockets struggle in opener, fall 124-106 to Timberwolves|website=SB Nation|last=Yuvan|first=Darren|date=20 October 2021|access-date=20 October 2021}} Throughout his entire rookie season, he played as a backup center between Christian Wood and Daniel Theis. After the Rockets ended up with the worst 1-16 lead of the season, head coach Stephen Silas removed Theis and shifted him to the bench for more offensive power, which gave Şengün some time playing minutes on the bench.{{Cite web |last=DuBose |first=Ben |date=December 10, 2021 |title=Stephen Silas acknowledges Rockets’ struggles with big lineups, Daniel Theis |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rockets/2021/12/10/stephen-silas-acknowledges-rockets-struggles-with-big-lineups-daniel-theis/77524631007/ |access-date=December 10, 2021 |website=rocketswire.usatoday.com}}

After the Rockets traded away Daniel Theis to the Boston Celtics, Şengün's time minutes increased with more offensive strength while remaining a supportive center role for Christian Wood. On 9 March 2022, Şengün scored 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a 139–130 overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers.{{Cite web |last=DuBose |first=Ben |date=9 March 2022 |title='Rookie day': Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun enjoy career nights as Rockets upset Lakers |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/lists/takeaways-jalen-green-alperen-sengun-enjoy-career-nights-as-rockets-upset-lakers/ |access-date=30 July 2023 |website=rocketswire.usatoday.com}} 17 days later, on 26 March, he put up a then-career-high 27 points along with seven rebounds in a 115–98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/rockets-alperen-sengun-explodes-for-career-best-27-points/|title=Rockets' Alperen Sengun: Explodes for career-best 27 points|website=CBS Sports|date=26 March 2022|access-date=26 March 2022}} After his rookie season was over, Şengün had played 72 games while missing the last 10 games due to an injury and started 13 games in the lineup. He averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game on 47.4 percent shooting from the field and 24.8 percent from three in his rookie season.{{Cite web |last=Yuvan |first=Darren |date=5 May 2022 |title=Rockets 2021-2022 season in review: Alperen Sengun |url=https://www.thedreamshake.com/platform/2022/5/5/23058499/houston-rockets-2021-2022-season-in-review-alperen-sengun |access-date=5 May 2022}}

When the off-season began, the Rockets traded away Christian Wood to the Dallas Mavericks to progress their young roster, giving Şengün a high expectation to take the role in the starting lineup for the center position. Ultimately, head coach Silas chose Bruno Fernando as the starting center, who performed adroitly last season as the team needed a legitimate rim defender to start.{{Cite web |last=DuBose |first=Ben |date=19 October 2022 |title=Rockets likely to begin season with Bruno Fernando starting at center |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/19/rockets-likely-to-begin-season-with-bruno-fernando-starting-at-center/ |access-date=19 October 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Lindberg |first=N.B. |date=Oct 19, 2022 |title=Bruno Fernando over Alperen Sengun? Why the winner of the Rockets center battle isn’t a surprise |url=https://spacecityscoop.com/posts/bruno-fernando-over-alperen-sengun-why-the-winner-of-the-rockets-center-battle-no-surprise/3}} However, Fernando suffered a patellar tendinitis injury on his left knee during the start of the season. With Fernando sidelined for a week, the team promoted Şengün to become a starter temporarily.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Coty M. |date=2 November 2022 |title=Alperen Sengun Credits Trust For Rockets Success As Starter |url=https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/alperen-sengun-houston-rockets-success-as-starter-jalen-green-kevin-porter-jr-stephen-silas |access-date=2 November 2022}} On 26 November 2022, he recorded 21 points and seven assists along with a then-career-high 19 rebounds in a 118–105 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.{{Cite web|url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/lists/takeaways-rockets-blast-thunder-on-career-nights-by-jalen-green-alperen-sengun/|title=Takeaways: Rockets blast Thunder on career nights by Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun|website=USA Today|last=DuBose|first=Ben|date=26 November 2022|access-date=12 January 2023}} On 6 December, in a 132–123 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, he became the youngest center (at 20 years and 133 days old) to post 1,000 points and 200 assists, surpassing Brad Daugherty's record (21 years and 153 days old).{{Cite web |last=Miloradovic |first=Nikola |date=6 December 2022 |title=Alperen Sengun youngest center with 1000 points and 200 assists in NBA history |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1429865/alperen-sengun-youngest-center-with-1000-points-and-200-assists-in-nba-history/ |access-date=6 December 2022}}

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| quote = I think he's really talented. Maybe this is going to sound weird, but I think they need to play a little bit more through him. Sometimes they look a little bit more stagnant... with all their 3s.

This guy has the talent. He can pass the ball, He can post up, he has the touch around the rim. You can see some different moves that he's made.

| source = —Nikola Jokić, on Alperen Şengün, 29 November 2022{{cite news |title=Jokic on Sengun: "He's very talented, they should play more through him" |date=29 November 2022 |publisher=eurohoops.net |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1426520/jokic-on-sengun-hes-very-talented-they-should-play-more-through-him/ |access-date=27 January 2024}}

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On 11 January 2023, Şengün put up his first career triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 135–115 loss to the Sacramento Kings. He also became the youngest player in Rockets history to record a triple-double in a game.{{cite web |last=Pagaduan |first=Jedd |date=11 January 2023 |title=Alperen Sengun reaches heights not even Hakeem Olajuwon could reach in Rockets' loss to Kings |url=https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-reaches-heights-not-even-hakeem-olajuwon-could-reach-in-loss-to-kings |access-date=11 January 2023 |website=ClutchPoints}} On 16 January, he put up a career-high 33 points along with 15 rebounds, six assists and four blocks in a 140–132 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.{{Cite web |date=17 January 2023 |title=LeBron drops 48, Lakers beat Rockets 140-132 to snap skid |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401468819 |access-date=17 January 2023 |website=ESPN}} He also became the youngest player in Rockets history to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a game, breaking Hakeem Olajuwon's record set in 1984. He subsequently became the youngest center in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in a game, surpassing Shaquille O'Neal's record set in 1993.{{cite news | url=https://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/rockets-alperen-sengun-hakeem-olajuwon-17722782.php | title=Alperen Sengun breaks records held by Hakeem Olajuwon, Shaq | newspaper=Chron | date=17 January 2023 |access-date=27 January 2024 | last=Shapiro | first=Michael }} On 25 January, he recorded his second career triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 108–103 loss to the Washington Wizards. He also became the youngest center in NBA history to record multiple triple-doubles.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-notches-epic-triple-double-record-not-even-nikola-jokic-matched|title=Rockets center Alperen Sengun notches epic triple-double record not even Nikola Jokic matched|website=ClutchPoints|last=Pagaduan|first=Jedd|date=25 January 2023|access-date=25 January 2023}} Şengün grabbed a season career high of 21 rebounds with 14 points in a game win against the Charlotte Hornets on 7 April.{{Cite web |last=Milanti |first=Cesare |date=8 April 2023 |title=Alperen Sengun had his rebounding career-high with 21 against Charlotte |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1487004/alperen-sengun-houston-rockets-charlotte-hornets-nba-career-high/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=eurohoops.net}} He recorded the most assists per game for a center at 20 or younger, surpassing his own record from his rookie season.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Starting in 72 out of 75 games he played, Şengün finished the season averaging 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists, shooting .553 from the field, and playing a total 28.9 minutes per game. His sophomore season had brought some attention from other NBA star players, describing his talent as phenomenal. Kevin Durant was asked on which young players he really enjoys watching play: "I would say I was going to give some love to Alperen Şengün. I like Sengun. He was dunking on a couple of people. I didn't know he could get up like that. He's nice. I like him."{{Cite web |last=Easton |first=Ed Jr. |date=31 January 2023 |title=Kevin Durant appreciates talent of young Rockets center Alperen Sengun |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/31/kevin-durant-appreciates-talent-of-young-rockets-center-alperen-sengun/ |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=rocketswire.usatoday.com}} and Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George compared Şengün's passing and rebound playmaking to Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol and Jokić.{{Cite web |last=Villas |first=Rexwell |date=11 April 2023 |title='Some Magic type s**t': Paul George's eye-popping Alperen Sengun take will hype Rockets fans |url=https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-paul-george-eye-popping-alperen-sengun-take-will-hype-fans |access-date=20 July 2023 |website=clutchpoints.com}} Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards said in an interview that the Rockets should build around him more so than his teammates Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.{{Cite web |last=Barefield |first=Brian |date=11 January 2023 |title=Timberwolves sing praises of Alperen Sengun after playing Rockets |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/11/timberwolves-sing-praises-of-alperen-sengun-after-playing-rockets/ |website=rocketswire.usatoday.com |access-date=27 January 2024}}

On 31 October 2023, the Rockets announced that they exercised Şengün fourth-year option.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Coty M. |date=31 October 2023 |title=Houston Rockets Exercise Team Options on Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. |url=https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/houston-rockets-exercise-team-options-on-jalen-green-alperen-sengun-tari-eason-and-jabari-smith-jr |access-date=31 October 2023 |website=si.com}} In a home game win against the Charlotte Hornets on 1 November, Şengün became the youngest center in NBA history to reach 500 assists at age 21 years and 99 days, surpassing Jokić's previous record of 22 years and 40 days old.{{Cite web |date=2 November 2023 |title=Alperen Sengun becomes youngest pivot player to reach 500 assists in NBA |url=https://www.turkiyenewspaper.com/sports/17033 |access-date=2 November 2023 |website=turkiyenewspaper.com}}{{Cite news |last=Feigen |first=Jonathan |date=3 November 2023 |title=Rockets vs. Kings: Five things to watch as Houston seeks season's second win |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/rockets/article/houston-rockets-sacramento-kings-five-things-watch-18466793.php |access-date=3 November 2023 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle}} On 20 November, he became the youngest Rockets player to reach 2,000-plus points, 1,000-plus rebounds and 500-plus assists at age 21 years and 114 days, in a 105–104 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, surpassing Rodney McCray record of 24 years and 58 days set in 1985.{{cite web|url=https://basketnews.com/news-197654-alperen-sengun-makes-houston-rockets-history.html |title=Alperen Sengun makes Houston Rockets history |website=basketnews.com |date=20 November 2023 |access-date=2 January 2024}} On 23 December he scored a then-career-high 37 points along with 11 rebounds and six assists in a 106–104 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.{{Cite magazine |last=Davis |first=Coty M. |title=Alperen Şengün Displays All-Star Potential vs. Pelicans: 'I'm Just 21' |url=https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news/houston-rockets-alperen-%C5%9Feng%C3%BCn-displays-all-star-potential-in-win-over-pelicans-im-just-21 |access-date=24 December 2023|magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=23 December 2023}}

During the week of 1–7 January 2024, Şengün led the Rockets to a 3–1 record and was awarded his first career NBA player of the week award.{{cite web |title=Jalen Brunson, Alperen Sengun named NBA Players of the Week |url=https://www.nba.com/news/nba-players-week-sengun-brunson |website=NBA.com |access-date=2 February 2024 |date=8 January 2024}} On 20 January 2024, Şengün tied his then-career high with 37 points, along with 14 rebounds and six assists in a 127–126 overtime win over the Utah Jazz.{{Cite web |title=Sengun scores a career-high 37, Rockets outlast Jazz in OT 127-126 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401585226 |access-date=20 January 2024 |website=ESPN}} On 21 January, he record his first triple-double of the season with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in a 116–107 loss against the Boston Celtics.{{cite web |last=DuBose |first=Ben |title=Reaction: Celtics edge short-handed Rockets as Alperen Sengun posts third career triple-double |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/lists/reaction-celtics-edge-short-handed-rockets-as-alperen-sengun-posts-third-career-triple-double/ |website=Rockets Wire |access-date=30 January 2024 |date=21 January 2024}} On 24 January, Şengün and teammate Jalen Green became the first duo in NBA history to score 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds at 21 years or younger in a 135–119 win against the Los Angeles Lakers.{{cite tweet |user=NBA |number=1752179615693467687 |title=Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun become the first duo in NBA history to each have 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in the same game, both at the age 21 or younger! |access-date=30 January 2024 }} On 5 March, Şengün put up a career-high 45 points and 16 rebounds in a 114–101 win over the San Antonio Spurs while being guarded by rookie Victor Wembanyama. {{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-tari-eason-emotional-sweet-message|title=Rockets' Alperen Sengun has Tari Eason getting emotional after sweet message|website=ClutchPoints|last=Buyawe|first=Brian|date=5 March 2024|access-date=5 March 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Iko |first=Kelly |date=6 March 2024 |title=Alperen Şengün drops career-high 45 points, outduels Victor Wembanyama in Rockets' win vs. Spurs |url=https://theathletic.com/5319943/2024/03/06/alperen-sengun-victor-wembanyama-rockets-spurs/ |archive-date= |access-date=6 March 2024}} His 45 points surpassed Mehmet Okur, who had previously scored 43 in 2009, for the highest single-game score by a Turkish player in the NBA. {{Cite web |date=6 March 2024 |title=Alperen Sengun passes Mehmet Okur for highest Turkish NBA single-game score |url=https://basketnews.com/news-202822-alperen-sengun-passes-mehmet-okur-for-highest-turkish-nba-single-game-score.html |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=basketnews.com}} He became the fifth player to total 45-plus points, 15-plus rebounds and 5-plus steals in a game since 1973–74 when steals were tracked and joining Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, James Harden and John Drew, and the youngest player at age 21 and 224 days old to achieve those stats line.{{Cite web |date=6 March 2024 |title=Rockets' Alperen Sengun: Erupts for career-best 45 points |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/rockets-alperen-sengun-erupts-for-career-best-45-points/amp/ |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=cbssports.com}} On 6 March, Şengün put up his second triple-double of the season with 23 points, 19 rebounds and a career-high 14 assists, becoming the first center in NBA history to achieve those numbers in a game from a 122–116 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.{{cite web|url=https://clutchpoints.com/rockets-news-alperen-sengun-explodes-in-stunning-performance-not-seen-before-in-history|title=Rockets' Alperen Sengun explodes in stunning performance not seen before in history|website=ClutchPoints|last=Yasis|first=Nathan|date=6 March 2024|access-date=6 March 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Miloradovic |first=Nikola |date=7 March 2024 |title=Triple-double for Sabonis in win and Sengun in loss |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1639853/triple-double-for-sabonis-in-win-and-sengun-in-loss/ |access-date=7 March 2024 |website=eurohoops.net}} On 10 March, Şengün suffered a grade 3 ankle sprain in his right ankle and sustained a bone bruise in his right knee after colliding with Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis. The injury occurred when the Rockets were leading by eight points with 39.1 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter. He was unable to walk and exited the game in a wheelchair while receiving ovations in Golden 1 Center. Şengün finished the game by playing 29 minutes with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals as the Rockets won 112–104.{{Cite web |last=Treacy |first=Dan |date=11 March 2024 |title=Alperen Sengun injury update: Rockets center wheeled off in pain after hurting knee, ankle |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/alperen-sengun-injury-update-rockets-knee-ankle/63d55a0e53c9c7516df7ad10 |archive-date= |access-date=11 March 2024 |website=sportingnews.com}}{{Cite web |date=10 March 2024 |title=Failure to Launch: Rockets shut down Kings during second half |url=https://sactownsports.com/failure-to-launch-rockets-shut-down-kings-during-second-half/ |access-date=10 March 2024 |website=sactownsports.com}} Two days later, it was announced that he would most likely miss the rest of the regular season.{{Cite web |last=Stinar |first=Ben |date=12 March 2024 |title=BREAKING: 3-Year NBA Player Reportedly Could Miss Remainder Of Season |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/nba/fastbreak/injuries/breaking-3-year-nba-player-rockets-sengun-reportedly-could-miss-remainder-of-season |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=si.com}}

On 21 October 2024, Şengün and the Rockets agreed to a five–year, $185 million contract extension.{{Cite web |date=23 October 2024 |title=Report: Alperen Şengün, Rockets agree to 5-year, $185-million extension |url=https://www.nba.com/news/rockets-alperen-sengun-extension |access-date=23 October 2024 |website=NBA.com |language=en}} In the season opener, Şengün had 25 points and 18 rebounds, but the coaching staff was unhappy with his defense and efficiency. This built so that in the game 6 loss to Golden State, Şengün played just 20 minutes before head coach Ime Udoka benched him for Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. Udoka argued Şengün had “to find a rhythm, for sure. Whether it’s getting himself into shape to play, early season, might be part of it… but sometimes he’s had point-blank misses that he didn’t have as much of last year.”{{Cite web |last=DuBose |first=Ben |date=November 3, 2024 |title=Rockets coach Ime Udoka on Alperen Sengun’s early season struggles: ‘Point blank misses’ |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rockets/2024/11/03/ime-udoka-on-alperen-senguns-early-struggles-point-blank-misses/76031892007/ |archive-date= |access-date=November 3, 2024 |website=rocketswire.usatoday.com}} He responded with 25 points and 14 rebounds on 11-12 two-point shooting in a win over the New York Knicks, and later in November back-to-back triple-doubles in blowout wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls.{{Cite web |last=DuBose |first=Ben |date=November 17, 2024 |title=Five in a row! Rockets rout Bulls as Alperen Sengun records second straight triple-double |url=https://rocketswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/rockets/2024/11/17/five-straight-rockets-crush-bulls-sengun-posts-another-triple-double/76386731007/ |access-date=November 17, 2024 |website=rocketswire.usatoday.com}}

With 5 assists against the Detroit Pistons on January 20, 2025, Şengün achieved a historic milestone by recording his 1,000th career assist, becoming the youngest center in NBA history to reach this achievement.{{Cite web |title=Alperen Sengun becomes youngest center in NBA history to reach 1,000 assists - Türkiye Today |url=https://www.turkiyetoday.com/sports/alperen-sengun-becomes-youngest-center-in-nba-history-to-reach-1000-assists-109036/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |language=en-US}} After defeating the Atlanta Hawks 100-96, Şengün became the 16th player in NBA history to have recorded at least 4,000 points, 2,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists playing around 250+ games and became the fifth player to have reached 4000+ points, 2000+ rebounds and 1000+ assists along with 250 steals and 200 blocks through that many games, joining Alvan Adams, Larry Bird, Lionel Simmons and Chris Webber.{{Cite web |last=Lerner |first=Danielle |date=January 30, 2025 |title=Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün named an NBA All-Star for first time |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/alperen-sengun-nba-all-star-20052583.php |access-date=January 30, 2025 |website=www.houstonchronicle.com}} On January 30, Şengün was named as reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, his first selection.{{cite web |title= Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown highlight 2025 All-Star Game reserves |website=NBA.com |date=January 30, 2025 |url=https://www.nba.com/news/2025-nba-all-star-game-reserves |access-date=February 2, 2025}} On February 4, Şengün returned from a three-game absence due to a left calf contusion and recorded 24 points, 20 rebounds and four assists in a 99–97 loss against the Brooklyn Nets, the first 20-20 game of his career.{{cite web |title= Rockets' Alperen Sengun: Monster double-double in return |website=cbssports.com |date=February 5, 2025 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/basketball/news/rockets-alperen-sengun-monster-double-double-in-return/#:~:text=Sengun%20(calf)%20tallied%2024%20points,97%20loss%20to%20the%20Nets. |access-date=February 5, 2025}} In March, he recorded eight double-double games (including two 30/10s) helping the Rockets to a 12-1 streak and the #2 playoff spot.{{Cite web |title=Alperen Şengün 2024-25 Game Log |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sengual01/gamelog/2025 |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}} He ended the season with a career-best four triple-doubles, in the top 10 for all rebounding categories, fifth in both two-point field goals and defensive win-shares, and 11th in overall defensive rating, a far cry from the player benched for poor shot selection and defense at the start of the season.{{Cite web |title=Alperen Şengün Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/sengual01.html |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}

On April 20, Sengün made his playoff debut during the first round of the playoffs, recording 26 points, nine rebounds and three steals in a 95–85 Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors.{{Cite web |title=Stephen Curry scores 31 points in the Warriors' 95-85 victory over the Rockets 95-85 in Game 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401767823 |access-date=April 28, 2025 |website=ESPN}}

Şengün competed with the Turkish under-16 national team at the 2018 FIBA Under-16 European Championship, which was held in Novi Sad, Serbia, where he finished the competition by winning the bronze medal. Şengün was also selected to the competition's All-Tournament Team. In seven games played during the tournament, he averaged 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game in 24.9 minutes per game. He shot 56.9 percent from the field overall, 61.9 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 22.2 percent on three-point field goal attempts and 48.6 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen SENGUN at the FIBA U16 European Championship 2018 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u16/2018/player/Alperen-Sengun |website=FIBA.basketball |access-date=27 January 2024}}

He was also a part of the Turkish under-17 national team that competed at the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup, which was held in Argentina. Turkey finished that tournament in fifth place. In seven games played at that tournament, he averaged 15.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 28.6 minutes per game. He shot 58.3 percent from the field overall, 64.1 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 12.5 percent on three-point field goal attempts and 56.5 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen SENGUN at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/world/u17/2018/player/Alperen-Sengun |website=FIBA.basketball |access-date=27 January 2024}}

Şengün also played at the 2019 FIBA Under-18 European Championship, with the Turkish under-18 national team, which won the tournament's silver medal. He was also selected to that competition's All-Tournament Team, being the only Turkish player that was chosen for that honor. In seven games played at that tournament, he averaged 11.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.7 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game. He shot 54.5 percent from the field overall, 59.2 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 16.7 percent on three-point field goal attempts and 59.5 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=Alperen SENGUN at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2019 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u18/2019/player/Alperen-Sengun |website=FIBA.basketball |access-date=27 January 2024}}

File:Alperen Şengün.png

In November 2020, Şengün joined the senior Turkish national team, as he played with Turkey at the 2022 EuroBasket Qualifiers. In four games played at the qualifiers, he averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game. He shot 53.3 percent from the field overall, 51.9 percent on two-point field goal attempts, 66.7 percent on three-point field goal attempts and 50 percent from the free-throw line.{{cite web |title=FIBA EuroBasket 2022 Qualifiers |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2022/qualifiers/player/Alperen-Sengun |website=FIBA.basketball |access-date=27 January 2024}}

In September 2022, Şengün played at EuroBasket 2022. He was the best player on the team, leading the team in points (16.8 per game) and rebounds (8.2 per game).{{Cite web |title=Turkey at the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2022/team/Turkey |access-date=11 September 2022 |website=FIBA.basketball}} Şengün and Turkey were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to France in overtime.{{Cite web |date=11 September 2022 |title=Gobert saves France from elimination, Les Bleus outlast Turkey in OT |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/eurobasket/2022/news/gobert-saves-france-from-elimination-les-bleus-outlast-turkey-in-ot |access-date=11 September 2022 |website=FIBA.basketball}}

Standing at {{height|ft=6|in=11|abbr=no}} and {{convert|243|lb|abbr=off}} with a {{convert|7|ft|adj=on|spell=in|2}} wingspan, Şengün plays at the power forward and center position. NBA commentators and scouts considered him one of the most "skilled" and "productive" big men entering the 2021 NBA draft following his "dominant" season in the Turkish League.{{Cite web|last=Chapple|first=Graham|date=18 July 2021|title=2021 NBA Draft scouting report: Alperen Sengun|url=https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2021/7/18/22574601/2021-nba-draft-scouting-report-alperen-sengun-analysis-video-breakdown-fit-with-atlanta-hawks|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Peachtree Hoops}}{{Cite web |last=Vecenie |first=Sam |date=23 June 2021 |title=2021 NBA Mock Draft, with lottery set: Cade Cunningham to Pistons at No. 1, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green follow |url=https://theathletic.com/2662367/2021/06/22/2021-nba-mock-draft-with-lottery-set-cade-cunningham-to-pistons-at-no-1-evan-mobley-jalen-green-follow/ |access-date=15 September 2021 |website=The Athletic}}{{Cite web|title=NBA 2021 Draft Prospects {{!}} Alperen Sengun {{!}} NBA.com|url=https://www.nba.com/draft/2021/prospects/alperen-sengun|access-date=15 September 2021|website=nba.com}} With a solid frame and wide base, he is known for a versatile and highly efficient low-post game that utilizes drop steps, spin moves and fadeaways.{{Cite web|title=Alperen Sengun|url=https://nbadraftroom.com/alperen-sengun/|access-date=15 September 2021|website=NBA Draft Room}} Şengün is additionally equipped with an impressive and elite passing ability that is supplemented by what scouts view as an advanced feel for the court—i.e., his ability to space the court, set screens, cut to the rim and make plays within the flow of the offense.{{Cite magazine |last=Woo |first=Jeremy |date=8 July 2021 |title=NBA Draft Big Board 4.0: Ranking the Top 80 Prospects |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2021/07/08/nba-draft-big-board-top-80-prospect-rankings-cade-cunningham-evan-mobley |access-date=15 September 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}{{Cite magazine |last=Shapiro |first=Michael |date=12 August 2021 |title=Rockets Find Potential Gem In Alperen Şengün |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2021/08/12/alperen-sengun-houston-rockets-nba-summer-league |access-date=15 September 2021 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}} As a defender, he is most effective on on-ball matchups in isolation against other big men, though his defense in general has been called into question. His free-throw routine where he speaks to the basketball has also garnered attention by NBA commentators.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/jtgatlin/status/1424502999993442305|title=Alperen Sengun's free throw ritual... |date=8 August 2021|access-date=27 November 2022|website=Twitter}}

His skillset has been compared to such European big men as Domantas Sabonis and Nikola Vučević,{{Cite web |title=Alperen Sengun |url=https://nbadraftroom.com/alperen-sengun/ |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=NBA Draft Room}}{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Tim |title=Alperen Sengun's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Rockets Roster |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2944866-alperen-senguns-draft-scouting-report-pro-comparison-updated-rockets-roster |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Bleacher Report}} and other big men such as Kevin Love, Kevin McHale and Tom Gugliotta.{{Cite web |last=Hollinger |first=John |date=14 July 2021 |title=Hollinger's Top 70 players for the 2021 NBA Draft: Cade No. 1, and why Alperen Sengun deserves more hype |url=https://theathletic.com/2700529/2021/07/14/hollingers-top-70-players-for-the-2021-nba-draft-cade-no-1-and-why-alperen-sengun-deserves-more-hype/ |access-date=18 November 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Alperen Sengun |url=https://www.nbadraft.net/players/alperen-sengun/ |access-date=15 September 2021 |website=NBADraft.net}} He has cited Nikola Jokić as an inspiration for his game.{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Alex |date=30 November 2022 |title=Alperen Şengün impresses idol Nikola Jokić: 'He's really talented' |url=https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/nba-news-houston-rockets-alperen-sengun-impresses-idol-nikola-jokic-denver-nuggets-hes-really-talented |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=basketballnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Rockets' Alperen Sengun Craves Second Shot at Idol Nikola Jokić |url=https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/rockets-alperen-sengun-craves-second-shot-at-idol-nikola-jokic |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=NBA.com |date=30 November 2022}}

{{NBA player statistics legend}}

{{NBA player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2021}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Houston

| 72 || 13 || 20.7 || .474 || .248 || .711 || 5.5 || 2.6 || .8 || .9 || 9.6

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2022}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Houston

| 75 || 72 || 28.9 || .553 || .333 || .715 || 9.0 || 3.9 || .9 || .9 || 14.8

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2023}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Houston

| 63 || 63 || 32.5 || .537 || .297 || .693 || 9.3 || 5.0 || 1.2 || .7 || 21.1

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2024}}

| style="text-align:left;"|Houston

| 76 || 76 || 31.5 || .496 || .233 || .692 || 10.3 || 4.9 || 1.1 || .8 || 19.1

|-class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career

| 286 || 224 || 28.3 || .518 || .272 || .701 || 8.6 || 4.1 || 1.0 || .9 || 16.0

|- class="sortbottom"

| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| All-Star

| 1 || 0 || 4.3 || 1.000 || {{sort|-|—}} || {{sort|-|—}} || 1.0 || .0 || .0 || .0 || 4.0

{{s-end}}

{{Euroleague player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2019–20

| style="text-align:left;"|Teksüt Bandırma

| 15 || 15 || 14.0 || .480 || .316 || 63.6 || 3.1 || .6 || .3 || .7 || 6.6 || 5.3

{{s-end}}

{{Euroleague player statistics start}}

|-

| style="text-align:left;"|2020–21

| style="text-align:left;"|Beşiktaş

| 3 || 3 || 29.7 || .710 || .000 || .694 || 7.3 || 2.7 || 1.7 || 2.0 || 23.0 || 24.3

{{s-end}}

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |title=Alperen Sengun |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/history/249-fiba-u17-basketball-world-cup/6362 |access-date=5 August 2019 |publisher=FIBA Basketball}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.eurohoops.net/tr/national-teams-tr/915666/alperen-sengun-en-iyi-bese-secildi/ |newspaper=Euro Hoops |title=Alperen Şengün, En İyi Beşe Seçildi |date=4 August 2019 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019}}

{{cite news |url=http://basketfaul.com/haber?haber=81062 |newspaper=Basketfaul |title=Alperen Şengün: Yüzmeyle başladım, abimi izlerken basketbolu seçtim |author=Ergez, Ece |date=8 May 2019 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.sabah.com.tr/spor/basketbol/2019/05/11/basketbol-gencler-liginde-sampiyon-banvit-mvp-alperen-sengun |newspaper=Sabah |title=Basketbol Gençler Ligi'nde şampiyon Banvit, MVP Alperen Şengün |date=12 May 2019 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/genc-basketbolcu-alperen-sengun-banvit-giresun-yerelhaber-343226/ |newspaper=Milliyet |title=Genç Basketbolcu Alperen Şengün Banvit'te |date=19 August 2014 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019}}

{{cite news |url=https://gurbetcigiresun.eu/alperen-sengun-transfer-yapti-20982-haberi |newspaper=Gurbetçi Giresun |title=Alpren Şengün Transfer Yaptı |date=18 August 2014 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805150311/https://gurbetcigiresun.eu/alperen-sengun-transfer-yapti-20982-haberi |url-status=dead}}

{{cite news |url=http://www.yesilgiresun.com.tr/spor/alperen-sengun-basketbol-u-17-milli-takimina-cagrildi/26104 |newspaper=Yeşil Giresun |title=Alperen engün, Basketbol U – 17 Milli Takımına Çağrıldı |date=1 June 2018 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019}}

{{cite news |url=https://www.star.com.tr/spor/u17-basketbol-milli-takimi-dunya-sampiyonasinda-5-oldu-haber-1362284/ |newspaper=Star |title=U17 Basketbol Milli Takımı, Dünya Şampiyonası'nda 5. oldu |date=8 July 2018 |language=tr |access-date=5 August 2019}}

}}

{{basketballstats}}

• [https://www.championsleague.basketball/19-20/player/Alperen-Sengun Alperen Şengün] at Basketball Champions League
• {{Eurobasket.com player|476789}}
• [https://www.tblstat.net/player/3076 Alperen Şengün] at tblstat.net

{{Houston Rockets current roster}}

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{{2021 NBA draft}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Şengün, Alperen}}

Category:2002 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Turkish sportsmen

Category:Bandırma B.İ.K. players

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Category:Centers (basketball)

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Category:NBA All-Stars

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Category:Oklahoma City Thunder draft picks

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Category:Turkish men's basketball players