Speaking in extended English during an interview for the first time, young Rockets center Alperen Sengun made his championship plans quite clear during Monday’s media day in Houston.
“Maybe not this season, maybe next season, but I believe in time we’re going to be the best in this league,” Sengun told reporters of his young team. “I believe this. I think my teammates believe this, too. We’re gonna be the best in this league, one day. I believe this.”
The Rockets finished last season with the NBA’s worst record (20-62). However, with young and emerging prospects Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green, the franchise is hopeful of better days ahead.
“That’s a fact,” Green said upon being informed of Sengun’s championship proclamation. “Sooner than later.”
After coming off the bench as a rookie, Sengun will start this season thanks to the offseason trade of Christian Wood. While he expects to improve his play in a number of areas, the Turkish big man pointed to his increased familiarity with English as perhaps his most important source of development, particularly when it comes to communicating with teammates and coaches on the Rockets.
Sengun was also bullish about his frontcourt pairing with prized rookie prospect Jabari Smith Jr., drafted at No. 3 in the 2022 first round. Sengun expressed optimism about the fit based on Smith’s ability to shoot and space the floor, adding that the two have been in “constant communication” throughout the offseason.
“He’s learning my basketball, I’m learning his basketball.”
.@alperennsengun: “Maybe not this season, maybe next season..but we’re gonna be the best in this league. I believe this and I think my teammates believe this too..We’re gonna be the best in this league one day, I believe.” pic.twitter.com/SyQ3QfSZBX
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) September 26, 2022
