How a Son of a Fisherman Became an NBA Superstar

Alperen Şengün is redefining what a modern NBA center looks like. In his fifth season, Şengün is averaging 20.5 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists — numbers that look more like a point guard than a traditional big. And yet, despite being the centerpiece of the Houston Rockets and one of the most skilled offensive hubs in the league, he was left out of the All-Star Game… only getting in as an injury replacement. So how did a fisherman’s son from Giresun, Turkey become one of the most unique stars in the NBA? This video breaks down the full Alperen Şengün story — from leaving home at 12 to join Banvit’s academy system, winning Turkish League MVP at 19 with Beşiktaş, getting traded on draft night to Houston, surviving injury scares, dropping 45 points on Wembanyama, earning a $185M extension, dominating EuroBasket 2025, and forcing the NBA to respect his game. If you love NBA deep dives, international player stories, and breakdowns that go beyond the box score, this one’s for you. 💬 Comment below: Is Şengün already a top 5 center in the NBA? 🔥 Subscribe to OFF THE COURT for more basketball stories before the mainstream catches up. #AlperenSengun #HoustonRockets #NBA #NBADocumentary #Rockets #EuroBasket #TurkishBasketball #NBACenter #OffTheCourt 🏀🔥 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices