Alperen Sengun shines with revived 3-point shooting, attributes success to EuroBasket and coach Ime Udoka
After the Houston Rockets faced a disappointing exit in the first round of the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, Alperen Sengun made a candid admission about his performance. “I think I improved my defense this season, but I have to work a lot more on my offense,” he reflected. “I didn’t have a great year on offense. I was better last year, I would say.” While Sengun acknowledged a notable enhancement in his defensive play, his offensive contributions had regressed during the 2024-25 season.
Defensive Growth and Offensive Struggles
Upon entering the NBA, Sengun was celebrated for his offensive prowess, particularly his finesse around the basket and his passing skills, which drew parallels to the legendary Nikola Jokic. Yet, his defensive deficiencies were evident early on, prompting coach Ime Udoka to bench him in critical moments during his rookie year in favor of smaller lineups that offered a stronger defensive presence. The tide began to shift as Sengun demonstrated significant improvements on the defensive end, earning him a more consistent role in closing out games.
However, despite his defensive strides, Sengun’s offensive output suffered. His overall field goal percentage dipped from an impressive 53.7% to just below 50%, landing at 49.6%. The most glaring drop was in his 3-point shooting, a facet of his game that had long been regarded as a weakness. In his rookie season, Sengun managed only 24.8% from beyond the arc, as he often hesitated to take shots and was discouraged from shooting by the previous coaching staff. This inconsistency persisted over the next few seasons, culminating in a career-low 3-point shooting percentage last year.
A Transformative Summer with EuroBasket
Determined to enhance his offensive game following last season’s playoff disappointment, Sengun embarked on a rigorous training regimen that extended into the summer. While many players took time off to recharge, Sengun immediately transitioned from the NBA season to EuroBasket training, aiming to help the Turkish national team secure its first-ever EuroBasket title.
Throughout the tournament, Sengun emerged as one of the standout players, leading Turkey to the finals without a single defeat. His shooting from long range, while still modest at 31.8%, marked an improvement from his NBA performance, showcasing a new confidence in his shot. Gone were the moments of hesitation; instead, Sengun took shots with purpose, contributing significantly to Turkey’s success in the tournament. Although they fell just short of a championship, the experience fortified his self-belief.
A Breakout Season in the NBA
This newfound confidence has translated seamlessly into the current NBA season, where Sengun is enjoying the best 3-point shooting of his career. He boasts a remarkable 45.9% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, a statistic made even more impressive by his increased volume, taking 3.4 attempts per game—his highest to date.
In a recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, Sengun excelled, hitting 4 of his 6 attempts from 3-point range. When asked about his flourishing confidence and the impact of EuroBasket, Sengun shared, “Workout all summer and test it on the national team. Ime gave me that confidence.” His evolution as a player is a testament to his hard work and resilience, signaling a bright future ahead for both him and the Houston Rockets.
