History of Alperen Şengün in Timeline

Alperen Şengün is a Turkish professional basketball player currently playing for the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Drafted 16th overall in 2021, he is recognized for his proficient post play and unique playmaking. Şengün also represents the Turkish national team. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in both 2025 and 2026, achieving the distinction of being the first two-time All-Star from Turkey.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Started Recording Steals

In March 2024, Alperen Sengun became the fifth player since the 1973–74 season, when steals began being officially recorded, to tally at least 45 points, 15 rebounds, and five steals in a game.

1984: Record Surpassed

In January 2023, Alperen Şengün surpassed the previous record set by Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984, becoming the youngest player in Houston Rockets history to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a game.

1993: Record Surpassed

In January 2023, Alperen Şengün broke Shaquille O'Neal's record set in 1993 and became the youngest center in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists in a game.

July 2002: Birth of Alperen Şengün

In July 2002, Alperen Şengün was born in Giresun, Turkey, to Kemal Şengün, a fisherman and former point guard, and Ayşe Şengün. He developed a passion for basketball after watching his older brother play.

Others born on this day/year

July 2002: Alperen Şengün's Birth

On July 2002, Alperen Şengün was born. He is a Turkish professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Mehmet Okur Selected for All-Star Game

In January 2025, Alperen Şengün was named a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the second Turkish player to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game, following Mehmet Okur in 2007.

2009: Highest Single-Game Point Total

On March 2024, Alperen Şengün's 45 points surpassed Mehmet Okur, who had previously scored 43 in 2009, for the highest single-game point total by a Turkish player in NBA history.

2012: Started Playing Youth Basketball

In 2012, Alperen Şengün began playing youth basketball with teams affiliated with the sports club of Giresun University.

August 2014: Signed Youth Contract with Banvit

On August 2014, after being scouted, Alperen Şengün moved to Bandırma and signed a youth contract with Banvit.

2014: End of Youth Basketball at Giresun University

In 2014, Alperen Şengün's time playing youth basketball with teams affiliated with the sports club of Giresun University came to an end.

2017: Turkish Basketball Youth League Established

In 2017, the Turkish Basketball Youth League championship was established.

2018: Began Professional Club Career with Bandırma Kırmızı

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).

2018: Won Turkish Basketball Youth League Championship

During the 2018 season, Alperen Şengün, playing for Banvit's under-19 team, won the Turkish Basketball Youth League championship and was named the league's MVP.

2018: FIBA Under-16 European Championship

In 2018, Alperen Şengün competed with the Turkish under-16 national team at the FIBA Under-16 European Championship held in Novi Sad, Serbia, winning the bronze medal and being selected to the All-Tournament Team.

2018: FIBA Under-17 World Cup

In 2018, Alperen Şengün played on the Turkish under-17 national team at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup held in Argentina, where Turkey finished in fifth place. He averaged 15.9 points and 12.3 rebounds in seven games.

2019: Joined Teksüt Bandırma

For the 2019–20 BSL season, Alperen Şengün joined Turkish Super League (BSL) club Teksüt Bandırma.

2019: Competed in FIBA Basketball Champions League

In 2019, Alperen Şengün competed in the FIBA Basketball Champions League, one of Europe's secondary-level club competitions, during the 2019–20 BCL season.

2019: FIBA Under-18 European Championship Silver Medal

In 2019, Alperen Şengün played at the FIBA Under-18 European Championship with the Turkish under-18 national team, winning the silver medal. He was selected to the competition's All-Tournament Team, averaging 11.9 points and 9.0 rebounds in seven games.

2019: EuroBasket Finals

On September 14, 2025, Alperen Şengün recorded 28 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and one block during an 83–88 loss against Germany in the EuroBasket finals, securing the silver medal. He was selected for the “all-star five” team.

August 2020: Signed with Beşiktaş

In August 2020, Alperen Şengün signed a three-year contract with the Turkish club Beşiktaş.

November 2020: Joins Turkish National Team

In November 2020, Alperen Şengün joined the senior Turkish national team, participating in the 2022 EuroBasket Qualifiers. In four games, he averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 rebounds.

2020: Competed in BSL and FIBA Europe Cup

During the 2020-21 season, Alperen Şengün competed with Beşiktaş in both the Basketball Super League (BSL) and the FIBA Europe Cup.

May 2021: Named BSL MVP and Declared for NBA Draft

On 12 May 2021, Alperen Şengün was named the BSL Most Valuable Player for the regular season and announced his decision to enter the 2021 NBA draft on the same day.

August 2021: Signed with Houston Rockets

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

October 2021: NBA Debut

On 20 October 2021, Alperen Şengün made his NBA debut for the Houston Rockets in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2021: Drafted into the NBA

In 2021, Alperen Şengün was selected with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and then traded to the Houston Rockets.

March 2022: Posted 21 points and 14 rebounds

On 9 March 2022, Alperen Şengün posted 21 points and 14 rebounds in a 139–130 overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

September 2022: EuroBasket 2022

In September 2022, Alperen Şengün played at EuroBasket 2022, leading the Turkish team in points (16.8 per game) and rebounds (8.2 per game). Turkey was eliminated in the round of 16 after losing to France in overtime.

November 2022: Career-High Rebounds Against Oklahoma City Thunder

On 26 November 2022, Alperen Şengün recorded 21 points, seven assists, and a then-career-high 19 rebounds in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

December 2022: Youngest Center to Reach 1,000 Points and 200 Assists

On 6 December 2022, Alperen Şengün became the youngest center in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points and 200 assists, surpassing Brad Daugherty's record.

2022: Joins Turkish National Team

In November 2020, Alperen Şengün joined the senior Turkish national team, participating in the 2022 EuroBasket Qualifiers. In four games, he averaged 12.0 points and 7.3 rebounds.

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

In January 2023, Alperen Şengün achieved his first career triple-double and also recorded a season-high 33 points in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

April 2023: Season-High Rebounds Against Charlotte Hornets

On 7 April 2023, Alperen Şengün recorded a season-high 21 rebounds, along with 14 points in a win against the Charlotte Hornets.

October 2023: Rockets Exercised Şengün's Fourth-Year Option

On 31 October 2023, the Houston Rockets announced that they had exercised Alperen Şengün's fourth-year option.

November 2023: Youngest Rockets Player to Reach 2,000 Points, 1,000 Rebounds, and 500 Assists

On 20 November 2023, Alperen Şengün became the youngest player in Rockets history to record at least 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists, surpassing the previous record held by Rodney McCray.

December 2023: Scored 37 Points Against New Orleans Pelicans

On 23 December 2023, Alperen Şengün scored 37 points, along with 11 rebounds and six assists in a 106–104 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

2023: Future Draft Pick

In 2023, the Thunder had acquired the 16th pick from the Boston Celtics as part of a trade that sent Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City in exchange for Al Horford, Moses Brown, and a 2023 second-round pick.

January 2024: Named NBA Player of the Week

During the week of 1 to 7 January 2024, Alperen Şengün was awarded his first career NBA Player of the Week honor.

October 2024: Signed Contract Extension and Season Opener

On 21 October 2024, Alperen Şengün and the Houston Rockets agreed to a five-year, $185 million contract extension, and he recorded 25 points and 18 rebounds in the season opener.

January 2025: Reached 1,000 Career Assists

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

March 2025: Double-Double Games

In March 2025, Alperen Şengün recorded eight double-double games, helping the Rockets achieve a 12–1 run and secure the second seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

August 29, 2025: EuroBasket Win Over Czech Republic

On August 29, 2025, Alperen Şengün recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 blocks in Turkey's 85–70 win over the Czech Republic in the second Group A match of EuroBasket 2025.

September 12, 2025: EuroBasket Semifinals Win

On September 12, 2025, Alperen Şengün tallied 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists in Turkey's 68–94 win against Greece during the EuroBasket semifinals.

September 14, 2025: EuroBasket Finals

November 2025: Statistical Milestones

In November 2025, Alperen Şengün achieved several statistical milestones. On November 14, 2025, he became the youngest player to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, three blocks, and four three-pointers in a single game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He also joined Nikola Jokić as the only centers in NBA history to record at least five assists in each of the first 11 games of a season. On November 16, 2025, against the Orlando Magic, he recorded 30 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists.

2025: First NBA All-Star Game Selection

In 2025, Alperen Şengün was named to his first NBA All-Star Game, making him Turkey's first All-Star.

2025: Playoff Debut

On April 20, 2025, Alperen Şengün made his playoff debut, recording 26 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in a 95–85 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Despite Şengün's strong performance, the Rockets were eliminated in seven games.

February 2, 2026: Season-High and Victory

On February 2, 2026, Alperen Şengün tied his season-high with 39 points and added 16 rebounds and five assists to lead the Rockets to a 118–114 victory over the Indiana Pacers.