Ryan Hollins on Alperen Sengun: 'He's the steal of the draft' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP - Scanpix Credit AFP - Scanpix

Although the Houston Rockets team currently sits last in the Western Conference with only 15 wins and 43 losses, the organisation has something to be happy about. Alperen Sengun has been an unlikely bright spot for the otherwise-struggling franchise.

Alperen Sengun

Team:Houston RocketsPosition:PF, CAge:19Height:206 cmWeight:109 kgBirth place:TurkeyProfileNewsStatistics

Sengun quickly let his name be known to NBA fans around the world. After getting selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the Turkish center is now one of the integral building blocks for the organisation.

Sengun made a Rising Stars Challenge appearance recently where his team won the entire contest. Although he might not have been the brightest on the court tonight, the appearance in itself proved a point that he's a player to watch on the Rockets.

Ryan Hollins, a 10-year NBA veteran who is now the lead television analyst for the Rockets' broadcasts, gave his thoughts to the basketballnews.com website regarding the franchise's draftee.

"And the steal of the draft, by far — it’s not even close — is Alperen Sengun; there’s no other name that we should be saying," Hollins told the website.

"He’s made so many plays that it’s just crazy and when I talk to NBA executives, coaches and staff, they always ask about Sengun and talk about how good he is when they sit back and watch his film."

"He’s a rookie and he’s getting double-teamed on the block. They are double-teaming him to get the ball out of his hands!" Hollins continued. "For a player, that’s the ultimate sign of respect. Unfortunately, Usman Garuba broke his wrist and he had to spend some time down [in the G League] with the Vipers, but we saw him improve and get better too."

Sengun has been averaging 8.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in his first season in the NBA.

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