The FIBA EuroBasket tournament continues to showcase some of the best basketball talent in the world, including a host of NBA All-Stars, and the matchup between Turkey and Serbia quickly became one of the most talked-about games of the tournament. At the center of the conversation was Alperen Sengun, the rising Houston Rockets star, who faced off against Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets superstar and former NBA MVP representing his home country of Serbia. While many fans have long referred to Sengun as “Baby Jokic” due to his similar playing style and skill set, this label may no longer do the young Turkish center justice. After a masterful performance that helped Turkey secure a 95-90 victory over Serbia, Sengun and his teammate Shane Larkin made it clear that comparisons to Jokic, while flattering, are not entirely accurate.

A Duel Between a Veteran and a Rising Star

The EuroBasket contest was more than just another international game — it was a clash between established greatness and emerging talent. Jokic, at the peak of his career, has dominated both in the NBA and on the international stage, using his size, basketball IQ, and passing ability to control games. Sengun, at just 23 years old, is still early in his professional journey but has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising young big men in basketball today. Sengun’s rise in the NBA has been impressive. Leading the Houston Rockets to the second seed in the Western Conference, he showed early on that he could impact games at both ends of the floor. Although the Rockets ultimately fell to the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game series, Sengun’s skill, composure, and court vision made him a player to watch in the coming years — especially with the recent acquisition of Kevin Durant, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, to mentor and support the team. Against Serbia, Sengun demonstrated that he’s not just a rising star in the NBA but also capable of performing at the highest international level. In a game that demanded both skill and poise, he put up impressive statistics, matching Jokic in several categories and nearly recording a triple-double — a feat uncommon in FIBA play, where team-oriented systems often limit individual stat lines. His footwork, court vision, and passing ability were on full display, solidifying his reputation as a high-IQ center with a rare combination of size and finesse.

The “Baby Jokic” Debate

The nickname “Baby Jokic” has followed Sengun for years, a shorthand comparison based on their similar playing styles: both centers possess elite passing ability, basketball IQ, and the ability to make teammates better. Jokic has long been known for his court vision, high basketball IQ, and ability to dominate both scoring and playmaking from the center position. Sengun, in many ways, mirrors these qualities, which is why fans and analysts drew the comparison early in his career. However, after Turkey’s win over Serbia, it became clear that Sengun is forging his own path. While the nickname was initially flattering, it may now undermine Sengun’s individuality and accomplishments. The young center has already proven that he can go head-to-head with one of the NBA’s elite big men and come out on top — something few players can claim at this stage of their career.

Shane Larkin Speaks Out

Sengun’s teammate Shane Larkin, who also represents Turkey internationally, offered insights that put the nickname debate into perspective. Larkin emphasized that while Sengun shares some similarities with Jokic, the two players are fundamentally different, and Sengun is not simply a “younger version” of the Nuggets star. > “I don’t think he would want that nickname,” Larkin said. “Alperen has big aspirations. He is a very confident kid with a very high level of basketball skill and talent. The sky is the limit for him. I don’t think he’s anywhere near his ceiling.” Larkin’s comments highlight Sengun’s unique confidence, drive, and skill set. Unlike Jokic, who has already cemented his status as an NBA superstar, Sengun is still developing and has the opportunity to define his own legacy — one that doesn’t rely on comparisons to anyone else.

What the Victory Over Serbia Means

Turkey’s 95-90 win over Serbia was significant for several reasons. First, it handed Serbia its first loss of the EuroBasket tournament, disrupting expectations and sending a message that Turkey is a legitimate contender. Second, the victory demonstrated Sengun’s ability to perform under pressure against elite competition, further solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in basketball. From a statistical perspective, Sengun’s near triple-double showed his versatility and impact on multiple facets of the game. He scored efficiently, facilitated for teammates, and contributed defensively — showing a well-rounded game that NBA teams value highly. Competing at this level against a player of Jokic’s caliber also serves as a benchmark for Sengun’s growth, illustrating how far he’s come and how much potential remains.

Looking Ahead to the NBA Season

The 2025-26 NBA season promises to be another exciting chapter in Sengun’s career. After going toe-to-toe with Jokic on the international stage, the Houston Rockets center will have another chance to showcase his talents in the NBA when Denver visits Houston on November 21st. Fans will eagerly anticipate the rematch, hoping to see whether Sengun can replicate his EuroBasket success against one of the league’s premier players. Sengun’s performance in Europe also serves as a reminder that the NBA’s next generation of stars is emerging quickly. Players like Sengun, who combine size, skill, and basketball IQ, are poised to shape the future of the league, challenging established stars and redefining what it means to play at the center position.

Beyond Nicknames: Building a Legacy

While the nickname “Baby Jokic” may fade from the conversation, Sengun’s impact is very real. His performance against Jokic and Serbia highlights several key aspects of his game: Versatility: Sengun can score, pass, and defend at a high level, making him a true two-way center. Basketball IQ: His decision-making and vision allow him to orchestrate the offense from the post, similar to Jokic but with his own style. Potential: At just 23 years old, Sengun has not yet entered his NBA prime, meaning his ceiling is still extremely high. Shane Larkin’s comments underscore the importance of letting Sengun define his own identity. Comparing him to Jokic may be convenient for fans or analysts, but it doesn’t capture the unique trajectory of his career or the impact he is already making internationally and in the NBA.

The Significance of the EuroBasket Performance

Sengun’s EuroBasket performance is more than just a stat line; it’s a statement. Beating a team led by Nikola Jokic on such a significant stage sends a message to the basketball world that Sengun is ready to compete at the highest level. It also provides him with invaluable experience facing elite competition in a pressure-filled, tournament-style environment — something that translates directly to future NBA playoffs and international tournaments. The game also highlighted the growing depth of international basketball. NBA talent now competes with increasingly skilled European players, creating a more competitive global landscape. Sengun’s performance against Jokic demonstrates that young stars from around the world can challenge established veterans and make a name for themselves on the global stage.

Conclusion: Sengun’s Identity Beyond Jokic

Alperen Sengun’s performance against Serbia is a turning point in how he will be perceived. While comparisons to Jokic helped highlight his skill set early in his career, they no longer define him. With his confidence, versatility, and rising talent, Sengun is establishing himself as a unique force in both the NBA and international basketball. As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, fans and analysts will eagerly watch his continued development, especially when he faces Jokic once more in Houston. By then, the nickname “Baby Jokic” may be obsolete — replaced by the recognition that Alperen Sengun is his own player, carving a legacy that is just beginning. At 23 years old, with a bright career ahead and international victories already under his belt, Sengun’s trajectory is clear: he is not only a rising star but a future centerpiece of the Houston Rockets and a global basketball standout. The sky is truly the limit.