The Houston Rockets have pushed their chips in ahead of the 2025-26 season to make a run at winning the Western Conference and raising another NBA championship banner at the Toyota Center.
While the majority of the headlines concerning Houston and its chances at winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the third time in franchise history, and the first time since 1995, will be focused on the addition of Kevin Durant, it is a returning player who could be the real key to whatever success the Rockets enjoy this coming season.
Alperen Sengun is one of the cornerstones of the future in Houston, and the 23-year-old big man already looks to be primed for another standout season once the 2025-26 campaign tips off. After averaging a double-double for the first time in his NBA career this past year, Sengun is continuing his dominance overseas as he led Turkey to a win over Lithuania in a tune-up game ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket Tournament, which begins on Aug. 27.
Sengun Ready for NBA Season After Standout International Performance
On Wednesday, Sengun led Turkey's national team to an 84-81 victory against fellow NBA big man Jonas Valanciunas and Lithuania. As seen from the video clip above, Sengun put his entire offensive arsenal on display, scoring the ball in a variety of ways en route to 25 points and five rebounds.
Valanciunas is one of the top international big men expected to take part in EuroBasket 2025, so seeing Sengun enjoy this type of showing is not only a good sign for Turkey's chances in this tournament but also what he should be able to provide Houston once the NBA season tips off this October.
The former 2021 first-rounder's performances comes after his best NBA campaign to date. Sengun earned his first All-Star nod in 2024-25 as he averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and .496/.233/.692 splits while playing 31.5 minutes per night across 76 starts.
With expectations as high as ever for the Rockets this coming season, Sengun setting the bar for himself and his teammates this far in advance of training camp is something that Ime Udoka will love to see.