Sengun's Ascendance: A New Era in Turkish Basketball
A Surprising Endorsement: Korkmaz on Sengun vs. Embiid
Furkan Korkmaz, a former marksman for the Philadelphia 76ers, recently stirred conversation by asserting that Alperen Sengun now holds the title for the most outstanding center he's ever shared the court with, overshadowing even the esteemed Joel Embiid. This pronouncement comes as a significant surprise, considering Korkmaz's extensive tenure playing alongside Embiid in the NBA.
Sengun's EuroBasket Brilliance: A Historic Triple-Double
Sengun's exceptional performance in the EuroBasket 2025 quarterfinals against Poland provided the backdrop for Korkmaz's high praise. In a game where Turkey triumphed 91-77, Sengun delivered a magnificent triple-double, tallying 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. This outstanding display not only propelled Turkey to victory but also marked a historic milestone: Sengun became only the sixth player in EuroBasket history, and the first Turkish athlete, to achieve such a feat.
Korkmaz's Glowing Review: Beyond the Stats
During the post-game press conference, Korkmaz articulated his admiration for Sengun, emphasizing not just his statistical output but also his profound love for the game and his comprehensive contribution to the team. Korkmaz highlighted Sengun's relentless effort, his growth on the defensive end—a trait that adds crucial security to the frontcourt—and his evident joy in playing basketball. He expressed confidence that Sengun's upward trajectory is set to continue, promising even greater achievements in the years to come.
Korkmaz's NBA Journey and Departure from the Sixers
Before his recent comments, Korkmaz spent seven years with the Philadelphia 76ers, having been drafted 26th overall in 2016. During his time with the team, he was a long-standing teammate of Joel Embiid. However, his tenure concluded when the Indiana Pacers waived his contract. Throughout his 328 games with the Sixers, Korkmaz averaged 6.8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per contest.
Turkish National Team's Resurgence and Aspirations
Sengun's heroics were instrumental in securing Turkey's spot in the EuroBasket semifinals, a significant achievement that puts the national team in contention for a medal for the first time since their silver-medal finish in 2001. Korkmaz, though only four years old during that "golden generation," spoke with immense pride about being part of the current squad. He lauded the team's strong character, collective work ethic, and remarkable chemistry, believing that it is now "their time" to etch their names in history and continue to deliver captivating basketball performances.
