Alperen Sengun, the rising star of the Houston Rockets, has been selected to participate in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. This marks a significant achievement in the young Turkish player’s career and is a testament to his hard work and remarkable development since entering the NBA.
He became the second Turkish player selected for All-Star game after Turkish basketball star Mehmet Okur in 2007. Okur, ‘The Money Man’ was a player of Utah Jazz during his All-Star selection.
The 22-year-old Sengun has quickly become one of the most promising young talents in the league since his debut with Houston Rockets in 2021. His selection to the All-Star Game underscores his leading role on the Houston Rockets, as well as his rapid ascent in the NBA. He has been the central player of his team in year of success under the coaching of Ime Udoka.
With averages of 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, Sengun has proven to be one of the most versatile big men in the league. His exceptional basketball IQ, along with his ability to contribute across various facets of the game, has earned him a place among the league’s elite players.
Sengun’s inclusion in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game holds special significance for Turkish basketball. As the second only Turkish player to achieve such recognition in recent years, his success is a source of immense pride for Türkiye.
This achievement further highlights the growing presence of Turkish talent in the NBA, following in the footsteps of other notable Turkish players like Mehmet Okur and Hedo Turkoglu. Despite having a remarkable carreer as one of the pioneer of Turkish basketball and playing in NBA finals, Hedo Turkoglu was never selected as NBA All-Star player.
Sengun’s rise to All-Star status is also a reflection of the increasing importance of Turkish basketball on the international stage. His hard work and determination continue to inspire young athletes in Türkiye and beyond, proving that dreams can be realized with the right combination of talent, perseverance, and opportunity.
As the Houston Rockets continue their climb up the Western Conference standings, Sengun’s contributions have been invaluable. He plays a central role in the team’s offense and defense, often serving as the focal point for their attacks. His ability to operate as both a scorer and playmaker has set him apart from other big men in the league and it has been a key factor in the Rockets’ impressive start to the 2024-25 season.
Under the guidance of head coach Ime Udoka, Sengun has continued to evolve, adding new dimensions to his game while maintaining his high level of play. His All-Star selection not only rewards his individual excellence but also reflects the Rockets’ growth as a team.
With the 2025 NBA All-Star Game just around the corner, Alpy’s participation marks a milestone in his young career. As he takes the court in San Francisco, he is set to represent both the Houston Rockets and Turkish basketball on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Sengun’s success story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring basketball players in Türkiye, a country where football dominates the headlines predominantly. Alperen’s success along with the successes of former generations played a huge role in developing Turkish basketball scene.
After his selection, Sengun is likely to play in NBA All-Star game as he has no major injury history recently. However, according NBA’s official website, he has been listed as questionable for Thursday’s game against the Grizzlies.
‘Alpy’ had avoided a major injury in March 2024 during a game against Sacramento Kings. Sengun, who had to leave the court in a wheelchair after landing awkwardly while challenging a shot by the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis during the game, had been diagnosed with a severely sprained ankle and a bruised right knee, according to ESPN.
The Rockets’ 32-14 NBA record by January 30 is quite impressive as the is at No. 2 spot in the Western Conference standings. Alperen avarages 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in the 2024-25 season.
The player had extended his contract with the Houston Rockets in late 2024. The 22-year-old signed a five-year, $185-million rookie extension. Sengun delivered a standout performance during the 2023-24 season, averaging a career-high 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. This had marked his best season so far in his three-year career with the team.
Sengun was drafted 16th overall by the Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft after leaving Turkish club Besiktas.
