Alperen Şengün Bio
Alperen Şengün is a Turkish professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on July 25, 2002, in Giresun, Turkey, he stands at 6 feet 11 inches and weighs 243 pounds. Şengün is known for his exceptional post skills and court vision, showcasing a versatile offensive game that includes effective playmaking and scoring. Selected as the 16th pick in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, his rights were later traded to the Rockets. Şengün made headlines during his rookie season and gained recognition for becoming an NBA All-Star by 2025, establishing himself as a significant player in the league.
Early Life and Background
Alperen Şengün was born in Giresun, a city located in northeastern Turkey. He is the son of Kemal Şengün, a fisherman and former point guard who played in Turkey’s first division in the late 1980s, and Ayşe Şengün, a homemaker. Initially, his parents encouraged him to pursue swimming, but he developed a preference for basketball after watching his older brother play. He began playing basketball at the age of eight and initially trained in both swimming and basketball. However, due to practical constraints, he ultimately chose to focus exclusively on basketball. In 2012, Şengün began playing youth basketball with teams affiliated with the sports club of Giresun University, where he remained until 2014. After being scouted by head coach Ahmet Gürgen during a youth sports festival, he moved to Bandırma, where he signed a youth contract with Banvit on August 19, 2014. During the 2018–19 season, while playing for Banvit’s under-19 team, Şengün won the Turkish Basketball Youth League championship and was named the league’s MVP.
Path to Basketball
Alperen Şengün began his professional club career during the 2018–19 TBL season with Bandırma Kırmızı, a team competing in the second-tier Turkish First League (TBL). Over 29 games, he averaged 10.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. He shot 47.6 percent from the field overall. For the 2019–20 BSL season, he joined Turkish Super League club Teksüt Bandırma, where he averaged 5.0 points and 3.9 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game. He also competed in the FIBA Basketball Champions League during this time. In August 2020, Şengün signed a three-year contract with the Turkish club Beşiktaş. He had an outstanding regular season, averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 28.3 minutes per game across 29 appearances in the Basketball Super League. On May 12, 2021, he was named the BSL Most Valuable Player for the regular season and subsequently announced his decision to enter the 2021 NBA draft.
Alperen Şengün Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Alperen Şengün began his professional career in 2018 with Bandırma Kırmızı and quickly made a name for himself in the Turkish leagues. His performance earned him a move to Teksüt Bandırma and later Beşiktaş, where he excelled and was recognized as the Turkish Super League MVP in 2021. His impressive stats and skill set caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Shortly after, his rights were traded to the Houston Rockets.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
Alperen Şengün made his NBA debut on October 20, 2021, recording 11 points, six rebounds, two assists, and three steals in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his rookie season, he primarily served as a backup center but quickly established himself in the rotation. He gained recognition for his performance, posting impressive numbers and becoming a fan favorite. In his second season, Şengün’s role expanded significantly, and he became a key player for the Rockets. He recorded his first career triple-double on January 11, 2023, and became the youngest player in Houston Rockets history to achieve this milestone. His performance continued to improve, and he was named an NBA All-Star in 2025, solidifying his status as one of the league’s rising stars.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alperen Şengün’s signature work includes his performance during the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, where he became the second Turkish player to be selected for this honor. He has also received accolades such as the Turkish Super League MVP and the Milliyet Sports Awards Best Newcomer Athlete. His career continues to flourish as he develops into a leading player in the NBA.
Alperen Şengün Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Alperen Şengün has received several nominations, including recognition for his outstanding performance in the Turkish Super League and his contributions to the Houston Rockets.
Alperen Şengün Awards Won
Alperen Şengün has won notable awards, including the Turkish Super League MVP in 2021 and the Milliyet Sports Awards Best Newcomer Athlete in 2022. His achievements reflect his talent and hard work in the sport.
Alperen Şengün Family
Alperen Şengün is the son of Kemal and Ayşe Şengün. His father was a former point guard, which may have influenced Alperen’s passion for basketball.
Personal Life
Alperen Şengün has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on his basketball career. There are no publicly available details regarding his relationships or marital status.
