Alperen Sengun is absolutely cooking at EuroBasket, proving that big lineups aren’t just for the Houston Rockets’ success! He’s a force on both ends, and the Turkish national team is reaping the benefits. Could this EuroBasket dominance signal an even bigger season for the Rockets’ young star?

Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun is currently showcasing a dominant performance at EuroBasket, proving the efficacy of “double big” lineups—a strategy that brought considerable success to his NBA team last season. This approach, featuring a primary big man playing alongside another center, is not only enhancing Sengun’s individual play but also significantly contributing to the Turkish national team’s early tournament success, drawing keen observation from basketball analysts and fans alike.

Last season, the Houston Rockets found a formidable advantage by frequently pairing the 6-foot-10 Sengun with center Steven Adams. This strategic “double big” configuration was particularly effective in the playoffs, where Houston secured a massive rebounding edge, notably collecting 51 more rebounds than the Golden State Warriors during their intense seven-game series. This success underscored the potential of such unconventional basketball lineups in modern NBA play.

Building on this foundation, the Houston Rockets have further committed to the “double big” philosophy in the offseason, signing center Clint Capela to a three-year contract. With 6-foot-11 Jabari Smith Jr. also providing depth off the bench, the team clearly intends to continue leveraging the physical advantages of multiple bigs. The strategy relies on Alperen Sengun’s exceptional passing and reliable mid-range jump shot to compensate for any spacing issues that might arise from playing him with non-three-point shooters, prioritizing defensive solidity and rebounding prowess.

The Turkish National Team appears to be adopting a remarkably similar tactical blueprint at EuroBasket, frequently deploying Sengun alongside other imposing centers. This includes 6-foot-11 Ercan Osmani, Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona, and former NBA player Omer Yurtseven. This international application of the “double big” concept provides a valuable proving ground for Sengun’s adaptability and impact within varying team compositions.

The strategy has yielded impressive results so far for Turkey, who currently boast a 2-0 record following victories over the Czech Republic and a decisive blowout against the Latvian national team in Riga. In the latter contest, Alperen Sengun was particularly explosive early on, fueling Turkey’s strong start and contributing significantly to their commanding 93-73 win, highlighting his capability to take over games when needed.

Sengun’s individual statistics from the Wednesday win against Latvia further illustrate his all-around influence, as he concluded the game with 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Operating as the primary offensive hub, he orchestrated plays while simultaneously, he and his teammates effectively shut down the paint defensively, demonstrating a complete two-way impact crucial for tournament success in EuroBasket.

While the NBA and FIBA possess distinct rule sets, the strong performance of the Turkish team against Latvia, which features several past and future NBA players including Kristaps Porzingis, is highly significant. Playing Alperen Sengun at the power forward position creates substantial matchup challenges for opponents. His unique blend of speed and agility poses difficulties for traditional centers, while his shooting ability allows him to score over smaller forwards. When double-teamed, Sengun’s elite passing vision allows him to efficiently dissect defenses, further cementing his status as a versatile offensive threat.

This sustained high-level play at EuroBasket not only elevates Alperen Sengun’s international profile but also offers a compelling preview of his potential growth and expanded role with the Houston Rockets. His thriving in these demanding basketball lineups suggests a promising trajectory for both his individual career and the team’s strategic direction, hinting at a very exciting future for the young All-Star.