Turkey Tops EuroBasket Group A Led by Rockets' Alperen Sengun

Alperen Sengun has solidified his status as a rising NBA star and a dominant force for Turkey in international basketball, particularly in EuroBasket 2025 where he leads Turkey to an undefeated 4-0 record in Group A. The Houston Rockets center is averaging 20 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, ranking him among the top players and helping Turkey contend for their first EuroBasket title since 2001. Sengun's versatility and playmaking have drawn comparisons to Nikola Jokic and Magic Johnson, with experts predicting another leap in his performance alongside new teammate Kevin Durant in the 2025-26 NBA season. Despite some early skepticism about the significance of international play, Sengun's consistent high-level contributions demonstrate his ability to excel against NBA-caliber talent on the global stage. His defense has also notably improved, ranking highly in defensive win shares, although his three-point shooting remains a development area. Overall, Sengun is viewed as a cornerstone for both the Rockets' future and Turkey's national team ambitions, praised for his passion, skill set, and leadership.