Ever wondered who the next big NBA superstar could be? Veteran guard Shane Larkin has played with many greats, but his take on Houston’s Alperen Sengun is truly eye-opening. Larkin believes Sengun has ‘top-10 player’ potential, calling him the best center he’s ever played with. What makes this young Turkish phenom so special?
Veteran guard Shane Larkin, a seasoned basketball professional with a rich history spanning four NBA seasons and a distinguished European career, recently offered a compelling assessment of Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun. Currently teammates on Turkey’s EuroBasket 2025 squad, Larkin declared Sengun to be the most talented center he has ever played alongside, highlighting the young Turk’s immense and still-developing NBA potential.
Larkin’s career trajectory includes stints at the University of Miami and significant success in European leagues, where he has become a dominant force. This extensive experience provides him with a unique perspective, making his endorsement of Sengun particularly noteworthy. Having played with numerous elite athletes throughout his journey, Larkin’s praise underscores Sengun’s exceptional skill set and promise.
The veteran guard elaborated on his admiration, emphasizing that Sengun’s performance in tournaments like EuroBasket 2025 serves as a crucial platform for him to further hone his skills and adapt to diverse styles of play. Larkin expressed genuine excitement about the opportunity to compete with Sengun, eager to witness his continued growth and evolution as a premier basketball talent.
At just 23 years old, Alperen Sengun has already demonstrated an impressive capacity for contributing to winning basketball at the highest level. His standout 2025 All-Star season with the Houston Rockets, where he was a key player in a team that secured the Western Conference’s second-best record at 52-30, stands as a testament to his immediate impact and leadership potential.
When pressed on the depth of his claim, Larkin thoughtfully considered his extensive playing history. He acknowledged the challenge of comparing players across different eras and positions but ultimately pointed to Sengun’s All-Star status as a definitive differentiator among NBA centers he has teamed up with. This comparison implicitly places Sengun in an elite category of talent.
Larkin’s admiration is not merely based on potential; Sengun’s on-court production speaks volumes. In a recent EuroBasket 2025 Group A opener, Sengun delivered a stellar performance with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Larkin himself contributed significantly in that game, adding 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, showcasing their effective partnership.
This remarkable synergy between the two Turkish national team members has sparked considerable interest regarding Sengun’s future trajectory in the NBA. With such high praise from a respected veteran like Shane Larkin, the basketball world is keenly watching Alperen Sengun’s development, anticipating his emergence as a definitive top-tier player in the league.
