Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun has achieved his dream by being named as a reserve for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, marking the first All-Star selection of his young career. Sengun, who is just 22 years old, has excelled this season, recording impressive averages of 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His selection makes him the first member of the Rockets to earn this honor since the franchise legends James Harden and Russell Westbrook were both selected for the 2020 game.
The All-Star Game is set to take place on February 16, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, and will be aired live at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Sengun's performance this season has played a pivotal role in the Rockets' remarkable turnaround, lifting their record to 32-14 and positioning them as the second seed in the Western Conference. During this campaign, he's showcased his ability to impact games significantly, helping the Rockets earn the best defense rating among their peers.
Being acknowledged by NBA head coaches, Sengun stood out among his peers, demonstrating why he was deserving of this honor. He joins fellow first-time All-Stars such as Victor Wembanyama from the San Antonio Spurs and Jalen Williams from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Notably, Sengun is among just four players league-wide averaging at least 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists this season, joining the likes of heavyweights Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Domantas Sabonis.
Sengun's reaction to the news was one of jubilation. “I feel amazing. Amazing day for me, for my country, for my family,” he shared, noting the significance of this milestone not just for himself, but also for Turkish fans back home. His selection is not just about personal accomplishments but also speaks volumes about the dedication he has shown throughout his tenure with the Rockets since he was drafted during the 2021 NBA draft.
Houston's general manager Rafael Stone expressed immense pride on Sengun's behalf, stating, “Oh, I don't care about me. I'm just immensely happy for him. It's an important benchmark in his life dream.” This sentiment reflects the belief within the Rockets’ organization about Sengun's potential and aspirations as they build for the future.
The coach of the Rockets, Ime Udoka, echoed similar sentiments, praising Sengun's progress and the hard work he has put forth this season. “We're all proud of him and the work he's put in. You saw Alpi's talent…” he said, affirming the growth and development of the team’s young core, including players like Jalen Green and Amen Thompson, emphasizing their collective potential.
Notably, Sengun's milestone marks him as just the second Turkish player to be recognized as an NBA All-Star, with Mehmet Okur being the first who made it to the All-Star Game back in 2007. The recognition has ignited excitement back home, as Sengun noted, “Turkey and Houston fans, all of them, I love them. That's one of the reasons I do it.”
Reflecting on his work, Sengun stated, “Just (being) impactful, winning. I think that's key this year.” Indeed, he has shown remarkable evolution as not only one of the most interesting young talents, but also as the centerpiece of Houston’s rebuilding effort, leading the team back to competitive stature.
Sengun’s selection shines brightly as he prepares to join some of the greatest legends of the Rockets’ franchise like Hakeem Olajuwon and Yao Ming, as players who earned All-Star status early in their careers. Not only is this recognition for Sengun personally, but it is also significant for Houston, which has not had representation at the All-Star Game since 2020.
Looking forward to the All-Star festivities, Sengun not only aims to shine individually but also hopes to draw attention to the “new era” of basketball. His contributions, especially exemplified through various statistical milestones, highlighted the successful and aggressive rebuilding plan laid out by the organization from the depths of their post-Harden roster.
With the NBA All-Star Game approaching, Sengun's narrative is just beginning, and fans around the league—as well as those from Houston and Turkey—will be watching closely. The excitement surrounding this weekend's event also speaks to the progressive development of talent within the league and the bright futures of franchises like the Rockets.
Alperen Sengun’s All-Star selection is not just about individual recognition; it symbolizes hope and resurgence for the Rockets as they emerge from their challenging rebuilding phase. The team is on the verge of re-establishing its competitive reputation, and Sengun’s contributions will be pivotal as the playoffs near.