Alperen Sengun's Trainer: Pressure to Boost 3-Point Game Drives His Determination

Alperen Sengun's Journey and Development

Alperen Sengun is currently representing the Turkish national team, participating in exhibition games across Europe as preparation for the 2025 EuroBasket. Following a standout season with the Houston Rockets, who finished second in the Western Conference, Sengun is determined to build on his success and elevate his game even further.

Sengun’s aspirations for the upcoming season are clear—he wants to make another significant leap in his career. To achieve this, he hasn’t wasted any time working on refining his skills. His focus has been particularly on improving his three-point shooting, a crucial aspect of modern basketball.

Focusing on Three-Point Shooting

In an interview with MeridianSport, Sengun’s long-time personal trainer, Djordje Sijan, shared insights into Sengun’s off-season efforts. After the Rockets’ season ended, Sengun immediately reached out to Sijan, expressing that he had no plans for the summer because there was too much work ahead.

“This year we focused mostly on 3-point shooting,” Sijan said. “That shot was forbidden for him before. There's big pressure on him to shoot more. The NBA is modern basketball, they want him to be a five or four who can stretch. We worked from day one to the last, perfecting his shooting mechanics. Now he needs mental stability and confidence. Shot selection is key.”

Despite already being one of the most skilled players in the league—capable of scoring from beyond the arc, possessing great footwork, and having a flair for passing—Sengun has chosen to continue working on his shooting to reach superstar status.

A European Foundation

Raised in the European system, Sengun developed his game based on traditional center techniques. Since he was dominant from a young age, becoming MVP of the Turkish Super League at 19, it’s evident he never needed to rely heavily on outside shooting early in his career.

However, Sengun has the potential to become an unstoppable force if he can add a consistent jumper to his repertoire. Currently, he shoots 27.3 percent from three-point range. If he can improve in this area, he could become a major threat for opposing defenses, opening up new possibilities for the Rockets.

Comparing to Other Players

While there have been instances of players like Ben Simmons and Rudy Gobert showcasing their three-point shooting in the offseason, they often fail to maintain that form during the regular season. Sengun, however, brings more finesse to his game, making him more likely to succeed in this area.

His movement on the court has especially impressed his new teammate, Kevin Durant. When asked if there is another big man in the league who does what Sengun does, Durant simply replied, “Different.”

Impact on the Rockets' Offense

Sengun’s development as a three-point shooter could significantly enhance the Rockets’ offensive capabilities. By adding a long-range threat, he would create driving lanes for elite cutters like Amen Thompson and Durant. This would allow head coach Ime Udoka to build a more dynamic offense.

Already one of the most skilled players in the league, Sengun can serve as the centerpiece of an entire offensive system. His ability to play point forward could also reduce the burden on Durant as he approaches 37 years of age.

Potential for Success

With Sengun and Durant on the roster, the Rockets seem to have numerous offensive options. Last season, they struggled with offensive efficiency, finishing 13th in offensive rating and 22nd in three-point percentage. If Sengun continues to improve as a shooter, Houston could emerge as a top contender to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder.