Rockets' Alperen Sengun Leads Turkey Past Sweden
Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun has been on an impressive run during the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. Sengun's latest performance came on Friday when he led Turkey's national basketball team to a 105-84 victory over Sweden.
Sengun scored 16 points and added five rebounds in the win. The third-year forward has showcased all the skill sets that have drawn comparison to Nikola Jokic. But during Turkey's victory against Sweden, Sengun displayed his improved 3-point shooting by nailing two of his four attempts.
Sengun has shown star potential throughout his first two seasons. And after averaging 12.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 steals across 147 career games, Sengun has gained the respect of his idols.
His most significant praise came from Jokic in November. Following a 129-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets, the two-time league MVP winner suggested that the Rockets' offense should run through Sengun.
"I think they need to play a little bit more through him," Jokic said. "This guy has the talent. He can pass the ball. He can post up. He has the touch around the rim. You can see some different moves that he’s made."
During an interview with Eurohoops, Sengun said he doesn't have an idea about his role next season. But due to his play during the FIBA qualifying matches, Sengun is well on his way to a prominent role under new coach Ime Udoka.
The Turkish national basketball team will face off against Croatia Sunday. The winner of the championship round will earn a ticket to next year’s qualifiers for the 2024 Olympics.
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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