Turkish basketball star eyes NBA championship with Houston Rockets
Turkish basketball star Alperen Sengun, center for the Houston Rockets, has his sights set on two major goals: winning a medal at EuroBasket 2025 and bringing an NBA title back to Houston, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, the 23-year-old All-Star reflected on his journey and growth in the NBA, saying, “Staying here isn’t easy. Sixty new players join each year, and only those who work hard stay. I’ve focused on improving each season.”
Now entering his fifth NBA season, Sengun recently signed a new five-year deal with the Rockets and praised the team’s additions: “We’re ready for the new season. Our goal is the NBA championship.”
He also expressed excitement about playing alongside Kevin Durant: “It doesn’t matter how old he is—he’s Kevin Durant. He’ll help us all and open up the game.”
Sengun credited Rockets coach Ime Udoka for transforming the team, saying, “Ime made us mentally stronger. He changed everything.”
Despite past doubts from critics in Türkiye, Sengun said his NBA journey has been about growth: “My goal was to improve my body, my language, and my game. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
