By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
Riga, Latvia – In his first international matchup against Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun outplayed the Denver Nuggets superstar to lead Turkey past Serbia 95 – 90 in the game that decided who’s going to win Group A of the 2025 EuroBasket.
Perhaps that match may be the end of the “Baby Jokic” nickname that has accompanied Sengun over his first years in the NBA.
“I don’t think he would want that nickname,” said Turkey guard Shane Larkin with a smile. “You can see the similarities with their games. Alperen has big aspirations. Alperen is a very confident kid. Alperen has a very high level of basketball skill and a very high level of talent. The sky is the limit for him. I don’t think he’s anywhere near his ceiling. I think he’s going to continue to evolve and get better and better.”
Sengun finished with 28 points (10 out of 17 shots), 13 rebounds, and eight assists, spending 36:13 on the floor. Meanwhile, Jokic had 22 points (10 – 16 shots), nine rebounds, and four assists in 34:22.
“In his younger years, his first year, his second year, you could call him ‘Baby Jokic’ just because their styles are very similar,” Larkin added. “He’s proving during this tournament that he’s ready to take that next step. Last year, he was an NBA All-Star, and I think he’s going to continue to grow and continue to be a better and better player. That nickname was suiting for him maybe a couple of years ago. But he’s much bigger and much better than he was when they gave him that nickname.”
Larkin himself put on a stellar performance of 23 points and nine assists in his best EuroBasket display so far. He spent 39:18 on the floor, more than any other player from the two teams.
“I’m a veteran now. I’ve been around for quite some time. This is my second EuroBasket. I think I learned a lot from my first EuroBasket in terms of how I need to try the minutes and managing my body,” Larkin commented. “No disrespect to the teams we’ve played so far. But some of the younger guys were having big games, and I was just out there facilitating. Playing my role. I knew that this game and the next games, I may need to play for 40 minutes.”
“I put a lot of work this summer,” Larkin added. “This EuroBasket was very important to me because the last time I left with an early injury. I’m thankful to the coaches for pushing me hard to be very ready for these moments. I’ve played with this guy [Ergin Ataman] for many years. He knows if I don’t have to come out, I’m going to stay on the court. Glad we were able to get the win today and if I need to play 40 minutes in every game, I’m ready for it.”
Photo credit: FIBA