Career Timeline of Alperen Şengün: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Alperen Şengün, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alperen Şengün is a Turkish professional basketball player currently playing for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Drafted 16th overall in 2021, Şengün is recognized for his exceptional footwork and playmaking skills. He also plays for the Turkish national team. He was named to his first NBA All-Star Game in 2025, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Joined Giresun University Youth Teams

In 2012, Alperen Şengün began playing youth basketball with the sports club of Giresun University, marking the start of his formal basketball journey.

August 2014: Signed Youth Contract with Banvit

In August 2014, Alperen Şengün signed a youth contract with Banvit, a Turkish club, after being scouted during a youth sports festival, a pivotal step in his early career.

2014: Departure from Giresun University

In 2014, Alperen Şengün concluded his time with the youth teams of Giresun University, setting the stage for his move to Bandırma.

2018: Began Professional Career with Bandırma Kırmızı

In 2018, Alperen Şengün started his professional club career with Bandırma Kırmızı in the Turkish First League (TBL), marking his debut in professional basketball.

2018: Won Turkish Basketball Youth League Championship

In the 2018–19 season, Alperen Şengün won the Turkish Basketball Youth League championship while competing with Banvit's juniors, and he was also named the league's MVP.

2019: Played in FIBA Basketball Champions League

In 2019, Alperen Şengün also played in the FIBA Basketball Champions League, one of Europe's secondary-level basketball competitions, demonstrating his participation in international club basketball.

2019: Joined Teksüt Bandırma

In 2019, Alperen Şengün joined the Turkish Super League (BSL) club Teksüt Bandırma, stepping up to Turkey's first division.

August 2020: Signed with Beşiktaş

In August 2020, Alperen Şengün signed a three-year contract with the Turkish club Beşiktaş, marking a move to one of Turkey's prominent basketball teams.

November 2020: Joined Turkish National Team

In November 2020, Alperen Şengün joined the senior Turkish national team and played in the 2022 EuroBasket Qualifiers.

2020: Played in FIBA Europe Cup

In the 2020–21 season, Alperen Şengün played with Beşiktaş in the FIBA Europe Cup, a European-wide competition, where he showcased impressive stats in the games he played.

May 2021: Named BSL MVP and Declared for NBA Draft

On May 12, 2021, Alperen Şengün was named the MVP of the BSL's regular season and announced his decision to enter the 2021 NBA draft, highlighting his achievements in Turkey and aspirations to play in the NBA.

August 2021: Signed with the Houston Rockets

In August 2021, Alperen Şengün signed a contract with the Houston Rockets after being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and subsequently traded, officially joining the NBA.

2021: NBA Draft

In 2021, Alperen Şengün was selected as the 16th pick in the first round of the NBA draft, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2021: Entering the 2021 NBA draft

In 2021, Alperen Şengün, standing at 6 feet 11 inches, was considered one of the most skilled big men entering the NBA draft, known for his versatile low-post game and elite passing ability.

March 2022: Notable Performances Against Lakers and Trail Blazers

In March 2022, Alperen Şengün had significant performances, including scoring 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 9th, and putting up a then-career-high 27 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 26th.

November 2022: Recorded Career High Rebounds

On November 26, 2022, Alperen Şengün recorded 21 points and seven assists along with a then-career-high 19 rebounds in a 118–105 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

January 2023: First Career Triple-Double and Career-High Points

In January 2023, Alperen Şengün achieved significant milestones, including his first career triple-double on January 11th and a career-high 33 points on January 16th. He also broke several records, becoming the youngest player in Rockets history to record a triple-double and at least 30 points with 10 rebounds in a game.

October 2023: Rockets Exercised Şengün Fourth-Year Option

On October 31, 2023, the Rockets announced that they exercised Şengün's fourth-year option, showing their continued investment in his development with the team.

January 2024: First NBA Player of the Week Award and Career-High Performances

In January 2024, Alperen Şengün was awarded his first career NBA player of the week for the week of January 1st-7th. On January 20th, he tied his then-career high with 37 points and had his first triple-double of the season on January 21st. On January 24th, he and teammate Jalen Green became the first duo in NBA history to score 30-plus points and 10-plus rebounds at 21 years or younger.

October 2024: Agreed to Contract Extension

On October 21, 2024, Alperen Şengün and the Rockets agreed to a five–year, $185 million contract extension.

January 20, 2025: Achieved 1,000th Career Assist

On January 20, 2025, Alperen Şengün recorded his 1,000th career assist against the Detroit Pistons, becoming the youngest center in NBA history to reach this milestone.