Rejected Fenerbahce and Besiktas: Alperen Sengun's path to NBA
NBA rising star Alperen Sengun says he rejected Fenerbahce's 2 million euros offer on his way to NBA
NBA rising star Alperen Sengun recently appeared on a podcast hosted by legendary basketball player Paul George, delving into candid revelations about his career. The 21-year-old center, earning accolades for his stellar performance with the Houston Rockets this season, opened up about his journey to the NBA.
Sengun reflected on a pivotal decision during his time with Besiktas when Fenerbahce presented a lucrative offer, tempting him with a substantial sum, approximately 2 million euros. Despite the financial allure, Sengun deliberated the offer, considering the complexities it entailed.
"I wasn't earning as much at Besiktas, but had I accepted, things would've become more challenging. The contract included a buyout clause of about 3 million euros in case of my transition to the NBA, which, in my opinion, was an unfavorable provision. They might have restrained me even after making a profit within a year," Sengun emphasized.
Faced with such circumstances, Sengun opted to remain at Besiktas, prioritizing his playing time and development. He highlighted the challenges for Turkish players, expressing,
"In Turkiye, local players aren't highly valued. There's a consistent preference for European or U.S. players. I was determined to pursue the NBA, focusing on improving my language and physique, even if I didn't secure playtime. I didn't heed anyone's advice," Sengun noted.
Source: Newsroom
