Houston Rockets' young Turkish center Alperen Sengun sets sights on NBA crown

By Can Hasasu

HOUSTON, US (AA) - Turkish national basketball player Alperen Sengun, who shoots hoops for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, said that he wants to be selected as an NBA All-Star and to help capture the NBA championship.

Sengun, whose performance as center on the court is attracting more and more attention, spoke to Anadolu at the opening of the new service building of the Turkish Consulate General in Houston, Texas, the largest city in the second-largest US state.

"My career planning is to be selected as an all-star and become a champion in the NBA," Sengun said, "I hope to stay in Houston for many years. I think there are records I can break here, titles I can win."

Stating that he represents his family and country in Houston, the 20-year-old said, "I always try to do my best for the team and for myself. I have to do it. Breaking records feels good. I’ll try my utmost to break new records. I’m happy."

- 'I want to be an example to young people'

Alperen Sengun said he is very happy with the messages he got from the fans and the support he’s received.

"It really means a lot to me that Türkiye supports me. I’ll try and continue to be an example to young people. I hope they’ll talk about me in the future, just as I’m talking about (former Turkish NBA stars) Hidayet Turkoglu and Mehmet Okur before me. I hope I leave a good legacy behind."

On Jan. 12, Sengun made history as the youngest center to score a "triple double" in NBA history with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against the Sacramento Kings.

The young basketballer marked another historic moment in NBA history on Tuesday by becoming the youngest center with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists against the Los Angeles Lakers.

*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp