Houston Rockets rookie standout Alperen Sengun continues to amass some love and praise from the NBA world. With the flurry of post moves, savvy footwork and fundamentalistic approach of an old school big man, the glimmering possibilities and potential are attainable in his side as a promising, young cager who is projected to become the franchise’s next cornerstone.
In the midst of the heartwarming attention that he receives, the 19-year-old Sengun remains humble — seeking for further improvements to add to his skillful arsenal. While he is widely considered now as a paint powerhouse at a young age, the Turkish big man is still clinging in the hopes to work with the undisputed icon of Rockets basketball who raised the bar of power, finesse and grace in the hardwood.
And it’s none other than Hakeem Olajuwon.
Joining Rockets writer Kelly Iko of The Athletic in a one-on-one interview, Sengun gladly expressed his intentions to work with the legendary center.
Iko even further claimed that the Turkish prospect had its “eyes light up” on gaining the lifetime opportunity.
“I was working in a young team in Turkey. I was watching a lot. When I watch, I learn quickly, and it also helps me a lot. But also I’d like to work with Hakeem Olajuwon about this. We will work in the future. He said, ‘I’ll teach you some moves.’ It’s good for me, I’m waiting.”
– Alperen Sengun
Since hanging up his basketball shoes and concluding his memorable career in 2002, Olajuwon served as a mentor amongst NBA stars from the likes of Yao Ming, Amar’e Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, LeBron James and the late, great Kobe Bryant.
Seeing Sengun working and soon to blossom from the guidance of their beloved Olajuwon is a dream come true for the Houston fans. Indeed, the legendary center is the perfect fit to help the 19-year-old in filling its bag of tricks under the rim.
On Wednesday, Sengun was the only bright spot in Houston after the team was completely demolished by the ravaging Cleveland Cavaliers, ending the game with 19 points, 11 boards, 5 assists in 28 minutes. Perhaps, these numbers are at least uplifting in their supporters’ perspective in spite of the lowly season, but certainly all the pains and sufferings will end once the rebuilding process is complete from the lead of the Turkish phenom and shooting guard wonder Jalen Green.
Sky is the limit for Sengun and he provides optimism and hopefulness for the H-town nation in these challenging times of reconstruction — that the best is only yet to come.
