sport.wikisort.org - Athlete

Alperen Şengün (born 25 July 2002) is a Turkish professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also represents the senior Turkish national team. He is widely considered to be one of the best Turkish-born prospects in the league, having won the Turkish League MVP award in 2021.[1]

Alperen Şengün

No. 28 – Houston Rockets
Position	Center
League	NBA
Personal information
Born	(2002-07-25) 25 July 2002 (age 20) Giresun, Turkey
Nationality	Turkish
Listed height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight	243 lb (110 kg)
Career information
NBA draft	2021 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder
Playing career	2018–present
Career history
2018–2019	Bandırma Kırmızı
2019–2020	Teksüt Bandırma
2020–2021	Beşiktaş
2021–present	Houston Rockets
Career highlights and awards
Turkish League MVP (2021) Turkish Junior League champion (2019)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats  at Basketball-Reference.com
Medals Men's basketball Representing  Turkey FIBA Europe U-16 Championship 2018 Serbia Under-16 FIBA Europe U-18 Championship 2019 Greece Under-18

Early life and youth career

Alperen Şengün was born in Giresun, northeastern Turkey, on 25 July 2002.[2][3] His parents wanted him to be a swimmer, instead he preferred basketball, as he was 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 properly train for both sports, he had to choose between the two and finally decided to continue with basketball.[4]

Giresun University (2012–2014)

In 2012, Şengün began playing youth system basketball with the youth teams of the sports club of Giresun University,[5] where he played until 2014.[3]

Banvit (2014–2019)

After his discovery by head coach Ahmet Gürgen, during a youth sports festival, Şengün moved from Giresun to Bandırma, to join the youth teams of the Turkish club Bandırma, which was then known as Banvit.[4] By August 2014, he had signed a youth contract with Banvit.[6] In the 2018–19 season, while competing with Banvit's juniors, Şengün eventually won the Turkish Basketball Junior League championship (which was established in 2017). Şengün was also named the Turkish Junior League's MVP.[7]

Professional career

Bandırma Kırmızı (2018–2019)

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 2nd division, he averaged 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in 21.9 minutes per game. He shot 47.6 percent from the field overall, 53.6 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, 25.9 percent on 3-point field goal attempts, and 60.0 percent from the free-throw line.[8]

Teksüt Bandırma (2019–2020)

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 1st division, he averaged 5.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game in 13.5 minutes per game. He shot 51.1 percent from the field overall, 57.5 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, 0–10 (0.00 percent) on 3-point field goal attempts, and 58.6 percent from the free-throw line.[9][10]

He also played in one of Europe's two secondary level competitions, the FIBA Champions League. During the 2019–20 BCL season, he averaged 6.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game in 14.9 minutes per game across 15 games played. He shot 48.0 percent from the field overall, 53.6 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, 31.6 percent 3-point field goal attempts, and 63.6 percent from the free-throw line.[11]

Beşiktaş (2020–2021)

In August 2020, Şengün signed a three-year contract with the Turkish club Beşiktaş.[12] 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.[13] On May 12, 2021, he was named the MVP of the BSL's regular season.[14] On the same day, he announced his decision to enter 2021 NBA draft.[15]

Overall, in Turkey's 2020–21 BSL season (regular season and playoffs), 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 2-point field goal attempts, 21.2 percent on 3-point field goal attempts, and 81.2 percent from the free-throw line.[16] 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 2-point field goal attempts, 0–2 (0.00 percent) on 3-point field goal attempts, and 69.4 percent from the free-throw line.[17]

Houston Rockets (2021–present)

On the night of the 2021 NBA draft, Şengün was originally going be selected as a potential lottery draft pick but was instead drafted outside the lottery pick and was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, but was later traded to the Houston Rockets for two future first-round picks.[18][19][20] On August 7, 2021, he signed a contract with the Rockets.[21] On August 8, he made his summer league debut in an 84–76 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers where he posted 15 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks, three assists, and one steal in 27 minutes.[22] He made his preseason debut off the bench on October 5 in a 125–119 win against the Washington Wizards with five points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one block and steal.[23] On October 20, 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.[24] On March 9, 2022, Şengün scored 21 points and gobbled 14 rebounds in a 130-139 overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers.[25] On March 26, Şengün put up a season career-high 27 points along with seven rebounds in a 115–98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.[26] After his season as a rookie was over, Şengün had Played 72 games while missing the last 10 games from an injury, and started at the line up in 13 game. He averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game on 47.4 percent shooting from the field and 24.8 percent from deep onwards from his rookie season.[27]

National team career

Junior national team

Şengün competed with the Turkish junior 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 2-point field goal attempts, 22.2 percent on 3-point field goal attempts, and 48.6 percent from the free-throw line.[28]

He was also a part of the Turkish junior 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.[3][4][29] In seven games played at that tournament, he averaged 15.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, in 28.6 minutes per game. He shot 58.3 percent from the field overall, 64.1 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, 12.5 percent on 3-point field goal attempts, and 56.5 percent from the free-throw line.[30]

Şengün also played at the 2019 FIBA Under-18 European Championship, with the Turkish junior 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.[31] 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 per game, in 23.0 minutes per game. He shot 54.5 percent from the field overall, 59.2 percent on 2-point field goal attempts, 16.7 percent on 3-point field goal attempts, and 59.5 percent from the free-throw line.[32]

Senior national team

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 2-point field goal attempts, 66.7 percent on 3-point field goal attempts, and 50.0 percent from the free-throw line.[33]

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).[34] Şengün and Turkey were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to France in overtime.[35]

Player profile

Standing at 6 feet and 11 inches (2.11 meters) and 243 pounds (110 kilograms) with a 7 feet 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.[36][37][38][39] 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.[36][40] 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.[41][42] 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.[39]

His skillset has been compared to other European big men such as Nikola Jokić, Domantas Sabonis, and Nikola Vučević, and other players such as Kevin Love, Bobby Portis, and Tom Gugliotta.[43][44]

His free-throw routine where he speaks to the basketball has also garnered attention by NBA commentators.[45][46]

Though Şengün possesses a wide array of skills at the rim, scouts noted his athleticism as a weak point, seldom playing above the rim. His heavy feet and slow movement could be a liability as his lack of length and vertical pop limit his ability to guard at the rim and to guard plays off the pick and roll.[39][43][44]

Career statistics

Legend

GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high

NBA

Regular season

Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
2021–22	Houston	72	13	20.7	.474	.248	.711	5.5	2.6	.8	.9	9.6

Youth club competitions

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	2P%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	PIR
Turkish Boy's Under-14 Basketball Championship
2015–16	Banvit	12	13.6		45.5	0.00	62.50	7.7	0.9	0.3	1.0	5.8	10.5
Turkish Boy's Under-16 AA Basketball Championship
2017	Banvit	6	21.2		66.7	0.00	52.4	9.0	3.3	1.0	1.5	10.5	18.0
2018		6	32.4		62.8	18.8	66.7	14.5	4.3	1.3	2.7	24.2	31.7
Turkish International Boy's Under-16 Basketball Tournament
2017	Banvit	7	20.3		44.7	50.00	57.1	6.6	1.1	0.0	1.0	7.9	8.9
2018		6	20.4		57.1	0.00	75.8	6.2	1.5	1.2	1.3	13.5	16.0
Turkish Men's Under-18 Basketball Championship
2017	Banvit	6	17.1		46.00	50.00	47.1	5.5	1.7	0.3	2.0	7.5	10.7
Turkish Junior Basketball League
2018–19	Banvit	32	25.5		64.9	24.5	70.4	12.6	2.9	1.6	1.2	17.3	26.7

European domestic club competitions

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	2PT%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	PIR
Turkish Basketball League
2018–19	Bandırma Kırmızı	29	21.9	47.6	53.6	25.9	60.0	6.8	1.2	0.8	0.7	10.8	9.7
Turkish Basketball Super League
2019–20	Teksüt Bandırma	22	13.5	51.1	57.5	0.00	58.6	3.9	0.6	0.5	0.4	5.0	5.6
Turkish Basketball Super League
2020–21	Beşiktaş	34	28.1	62.6	66.7	21.2	81.2	8.9	2.7	1.3	1.5	18.6	22.7

Pan European club competitions

Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	2PT%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	PIR
FIBA Champions League
2019–20	Teksüt Bandırma	15	14.9	48.0	53.6	31.6	63.6	3.3	0.6	0.3	0.7	6.6	5.3
FIBA Europe Cup
2020–21	Beşiktaş	3	29.7	71.0	75.9	0.00	69.4	7.3	2.7	1.7	2.0	23.0	24.3

References

External links

• Alperen Şengün at nba.com
• Alperen Şengün at championsleague.basketball
• Alperen Şengün at eurobasket.com
• Alperen Şengün at proballers.com
• Alperen Şengün at realgm.com
• Alperen Şengün at tblstat.net

На других языках

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[de] Alperen Şengün

Alperen Şengün (* 25. Juli 2002 in Giresun)[1] ist ein türkischer Basketballspieler, welcher seit 2021 bei den Houston Rockets in der National Basketball Association (NBA) spielt. Şengün ist 2,06 Meter groß[2] und läuft meist als Center auf. Er wurde im NBA-Draft 2021 an 16. Stelle von den Oklahoma City Thunder ausgewählt und an die Houston Rockets transferiert.[3]

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- [en] Alperen Şengün

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[es] Alperen Şengün

Alperen Şengün (Giresun; 25 de julio de 2002) es un baloncestista turco que pertenece a la plantilla de los Houston Rockets de la NBA. Con 2,08 metros de estatura, juega en la posición de pívot.

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