Talk about a rising star! Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun just got compared to none other than Nikola Jokic by Kristaps Porzingis after his EuroBasket heroics. Sengun’s passing and playmaking had everyone talking, even after Turkey’s big win over Latvia. Could this ‘baby Jokic’ be the next big thing in the NBA?

Turkish sensation Alperen Sengun delivered a standout performance in EuroBasket 2025, earning high praise from NBA veteran Kristaps Porzingis, who notably likened the Houston Rockets star to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Sengun’s exceptional play was a key factor in Turkey’s impressive victory over Latvia, demonstrating his rapidly evolving skill set on the international stage.

Porzingis, despite his team’s defeat, expressed significant admiration for Sengun, highlighting his unique passing ability and his profound impact on his teammates’ performance. The comparison to Nikola Jokic underscores the high regard in which Sengun is now held, particularly for his court vision and playmaking from the center position.

The “baby Jokic” moniker is not bestowed lightly; Nikola Jokic is renowned for his unparalleled passing, offensive versatility, and his capacity to elevate those around him, traits that are increasingly evident in Alperen Sengun’s game. This comparison suggests that Sengun possesses a similar rare talent for facilitating offense and controlling the flow of the game.

In the crucial EuroBasket 2025 opener, Sengun showcased a comprehensive stat line, finishing with 16 points on an efficient 58.3% shooting, alongside 8 rebounds and 7 assists. These latter two figures were the highest among all players in the game, illustrating his dominance as both a rebounder and a primary playmaker for the Turkish squad.

The matchup was particularly significant given the disparity in international rankings, with Latvia, featuring a recent NBA champion and All-Star in Porzingis, ranked ninth globally, compared to Turkey at twenty-seventh. Despite this, Turkey secured a convincing road victory, defying expectations and signaling their strong potential in the tournament.

Conversely, Kristaps Porzingis experienced a challenging outing against the burgeoning Turkish talent. He managed 10 points, 4 rebounds, and accumulated 6 turnovers, shooting a modest 3-of-12 from the field. Latvia struggled during his 25 minutes on the court, recording a -17 plus/minus, while Turkey thrived with Sengun, posting a +17 in his 28 minutes.

This individual battle saw Alperen Sengun emerge victorious over a formidable NBA big man, further solidifying his reputation as an elite talent capable of performing under pressure. His strategic passing and enhanced court awareness were particularly effective against Latvia’s defense, which chose to prioritize containing his scoring and shot creation.

As EuroBasket 2025 continues, all eyes will be on Alperen Sengun as Turkey prepares to face Czechia in their next group-stage match. His continued development and leadership will be pivotal for Turkey’s ambitions in the tournament, building on the momentum from this impressive initial performance and the high praise received from his NBA peers.