Alperen Şengün

 

Alperen Şengün (Turkish pronunciation: [ˈaɫpeɾæn ˈʃæɲɟyn]; born July 25, 2002), nicknamed “Baby Jokic,” is a Turkish professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also represents the senior Turkish national team. Known for his exceptional post skills, creative playmaking ability, and court vision, Şengün was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was named to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2025 and earned his second consecutive selection in 2026.

 

Standing 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 m) and weighing 243 pounds (110 kg), Şengün plays as a center and is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most skilled young big men. His passing ability draws frequent comparisons to Nikola Jokić, while NBA stars including Kevin Durant and Paul George have praised his exceptional talent.

 

Early Life

 

Şengün was born on July 25, 2002, in Giresun, a city in northeastern Turkey, to Kemal Şengün, a fisherman and former point guard who played in Turkey’s first division in the late 1980s, and Ayşe Şengün, a homemaker. Although his parents initially encouraged him to pursue swimming, he developed a preference for basketball after watching his older brother play. He began playing basketball at age eight and initially trained in both sports before committing fully to basketball around age 12.

 

His name carries cultural significance: “Alperen” translates to “spiritual warrior,” while “Şengün” means “happy day.”

 

Professional Career in Turkey

 

Şengün signed a youth contract with Banvit at age 12 and played in their system through 2019. In the 2018-19 season, he led Banvit to the Turkish Basketball Junior League championship and earned MVP honors. That same season, he played 29 games for Bandırma Kırmızı of the second-division Turkish First League (TBL).

 

In the 2019-20 season, Şengün joined first-division Turkish Super League (BSL) club Teksut Bandirma, averaging 6.3 points and 4.0 rebounds over 14.5 minutes per game. In the summer of 2020, he signed a three-year contract with Beşiktaş.

 

The 2020-21 season proved transformative. At age 18, Şengün became the youngest-ever MVP of the Turkish Basketball Super League, posting 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks across 29 regular-season games. Upon winning the MVP award, he announced his entry into the 2021 NBA Draft.

 

NBA Career

 

Draft and Rookie Season (2021-22)

 

Prior to the 2021 NBA Draft, Şengün was projected as a potential lottery pick but was ultimately selected 16th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder had acquired the pick from Boston as part of the Kemba Walker trade. Shortly after selecting Şengün, Oklahoma City traded his draft rights to the Houston Rockets in exchange for two future first-round picks.

 

Şengün signed his contract on August 7, 2021, and made his NBA debut on October 20, 2021, recording 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals in 18 minutes while shooting 75% from the field in a loss to Minnesota.

 

Sophomore Season (2022-23)

 

In his second season, Şengün started 72 of 75 games, averaging 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 55.3% from the field over 28.9 minutes per game. His performance drew praise from NBA stars, including Kevin Durant, who stated, “I like Şengün. He was dunking on a couple of people. I didn’t know he could get up like that.” Paul George compared his passing and rebounding to Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol, and Nikola Jokić.

 

On January 11, 2023, Şengün recorded his first career triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists against Sacramento, becoming the youngest player in Rockets history to achieve the feat. On January 16, he posted 33 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks against the Lakers, becoming the youngest player in Rockets history to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, surpassing Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1984 record.

 

Breakout Season (2023-24)

 

Şengün’s third season marked his emergence as a star. He posted career highs in points (21.1), rebounds (9.3), assists (5.0), steals (1.2), and minutes (32.5) per game while shooting 53.7% from the field. He became one of only six players to average at least 20.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.

 

On March 6, 2024, Şengün set career highs with 45 points and 16 rebounds against San Antonio, also recording five steals and one block while shooting 59.4% from the field. His season was cut short in mid-March by a severe right ankle sprain.

 

All-Star Seasons (2024-26)

 

On October 21, 2024, Şengün signed a four-year, $145.96 million contract extension with the Rockets, including a $39.04 million player option for 2029-30.

 

In 2025, Şengün was selected for his first NBA All-Star Game, becoming Houston’s first All-Star since James Harden and Russell Westbrook in 2020. On December 3, 2025, he reached 5,000 career points. On December 15, he recorded his first triple-double of the 2025-26 season with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in overtime against Denver.

 

Through February 2026, Şengün is averaging career highs of 20.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. On February 8, 2026, he was named an injury replacement for the 2026 All-Star Game, replacing Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Team World. Şengün expressed pride in the honor, stating: “I’m proud to carry Türkiye’s name on my back.“

 

He is the first player in NBA history to record at least 3,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 700 assists while playing fewer than 6,000 minutes through the first three seasons of a career.

 

International Career

 

Şengün has represented Turkey extensively in international competition. He helped Turkey earn a silver medal at the 2019 FIBA Under-18 European Championships while earning All-Tournament Team honors. At the 2022 EuroBasket, Şengün became the youngest player in tournament history to record a triple-double. In the 2022 semifinal against Serbia, he posted 28 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in a victory over Nikola Jokić’s team.

 

Personal Life

 

Şengün overcame serious childhood adversity, including being hit by a car twice and surviving multiple surgeries. He has become a national icon in Turkey, often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of Turkey” for his inspiring journey and rapid rise.

 

References

 

External Links

* Alperen Şengün on NBA.com

* Alperen Şengün on Basketball-Reference.com