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 getting better and better.”

Sengun finished w

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