The National Basketball Association (NBA), considered the world's premier basketball showcase, is witnessing the meteoric rise of a 21-year-old dynamo this season. Alperen Şengün's journey, spanning from Giresun to Houston via Balıkesir and Istanbul, has elevated him to the pinnacle of NBA success.
Let's delve into the inspiring story of this young man who emerged from the shores of the Black Sea to capture the world's attention.
Born on a July day in 2002 in Giresun, Türkiye, Alperen's story is that of a child from a small town turning into one of the biggest phenomenons in the world's second most popular sport. His father, Kemal Şengün, an ex-basketball player and enthusiast, introduced him to the sport at a very young age.
Alperen's basketball journey began to flourish in Giresun, but it took a significant turn when he transferred to Bandırma Banvit at the age of 12. Leaving his family and friends behind on the Black Sea coast, Alperen embarked on a journey that would shape his destiny. His talent quickly stood out in Bandırma, leading to his promotion to the main team shortly after joining the club.
Signing a three-year contract with Beşiktaş in August 2020, Alperen Şengün anchored himself on the shores of Istanbul, a world metropolis. He swiftly became one of Beşiktaş's shining stars, and it became evident that Alperen had a bright future ahead. Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe, two powerhouses of the Turkish Basketball Super League, were quick to recognize his potential.
In the 2021 NBA Draft, Alperen Şengün was selected 16th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder and then traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for future draft picks. Despite initial skepticism about the trade, Alperen showcased his skills upon joining the Houston Rockets in the 2021-2022 rookie season.
Making his NBA debut on October 20, 2021, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alperen recorded 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in a 124-106 defeat. Throughout the season, he played 72 games, averaging 20.7 minutes with 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
By the 2023-2024 season, Alperen had adapted to both the league's standards and his team, finding a more comfortable environment to showcase his skills. Houston fans embraced him, and he started making a significant impact on the court.
In the 2023-2024 season, Alperen Şengün, now considered a potential All-Star, displayed remarkable performances in several games. On December 24, in a match against the New Orleans Pelicans, he set a career-high with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading his team to a 106-104 victory. Furthermore, in a game against the Indiana Pacers on December 27, he recorded 30 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, and a career-high 4 steals in a 123-117 loss.
In addition to representing Turkey multiple times, Alperen Şengün has become one of the most promising figures in contemporary Turkish basketball. At only 21 years old, he has already achieved remarkable success, with the prospect of becoming one of the world's top basketball players in the next decade.