Sengun vs Jokic – Turkey’s Rising Star Challenges Serbia
EuroBasket 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. With names like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way, many are calling it the strongest tournament in history. But amid all the established stars, one unexpected story is turning heads—the rise of Turkey’s Alperen Sengun.
Sengun, only in his early 20s, is carrying Turkey on his shoulders in a way that fans haven’t seen before. Turkey has only won two international medals in its history, and both came on home soil. This time, though, things feel different. Coached by the fiery Ergin Ataman, a three-time EuroLeague champion, Turkey is undefeated at 4-0 and about to face Serbia in a clash that many see as a true test of how far this team can go.
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What makes this matchup even more exciting is the personal storyline between Sengun and Jokic. Shane Larkin, Sengun’s Turkish teammate, didn’t hold back when asked about the duel. He said Sengun wants to take over Jokic’s spot as one of the best players in the world. That’s no small statement, considering Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP and widely regarded as the most dominant big man of his generation. Larkin added that while Sengun is already an All-Star, this game isn’t just Sengun versus Jokic—it’s Serbia versus Turkey. The whole team will have to step up if they want to pull off the upset.
Statistically, Sengun has been phenomenal. He’s averaging 20 points, nearly 9 rebounds, and over 6 assists while shooting an absurd 68 percent from the field. He even came close to a rare triple-double, but Coach Ataman rested him to save energy for later rounds. Some are calling him “Baby Jokic,” but Sengun has openly rejected that label, insisting he wants to be recognized for his own style and accomplishments.
Serbia, of course, won’t make things easy. Tristan Vukcevic, one of their rising NBA players, made it clear that slowing down Sengun is a top priority. He pointed out how Sengun can score inside, stretch the floor, and create plays for teammates. Serbia knows they’ll need sharp defensive scouting to contain him.
Still, Sengun’s admiration for Jokic is no secret. His former teammate Boban Marjanovic once said Sengun lights up every time Jokic’s name comes up and even wanted to join him for dinner. But as Sengun enters his fourth NBA season, he’s no longer content being seen as just Jokic’s apprentice. He’s carving out his own identity.
So here we are—two undefeated teams, Turkey and Serbia, about to collide. On one side stands the reigning giant, Nikola Jokic. On the other is the ambitious challenger, Alperen Sengun, eager to prove that he belongs in the same conversation. Whether Turkey makes history or Serbia holds its ground, one thing is certain: this matchup could define EuroBasket 2025.
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