After a heartbreaking missed game-winner in a hard-fought battle, Alperen Şengün walked off the court with his head held high—not in pride, but in determination. In the post-game interview, he didn’t shy away from accountability. His words, “There’s a lot to learn. I’m still young. I’m going to make those one day and get better and better,” resonated not just with Rockets fans, but with anyone who understands the grind of growth in the NBA.
At just 22 years old, Şengün has already made waves in the league as one of the most skilled and versatile big men of his generation. With a game reminiscent of classic European centers blended with modern-day fluidity and vision, he’s become the cornerstone of Houston’s rebuild. But as every great player knows, growth doesn’t come only through success—it comes through the sting of failure.
The missed shot—a turnaround jumper that hit the back iron as the buzzer sounded—wasn’t a bad look. In fact, it was the kind of shot Şengün has made many times before. But in that high-pressure moment, the ball simply didn’t drop. And that’s basketball. What sets great players apart, however, isn’t perfection—it’s resilience.
Şengün’s response to the miss speaks volumes about his mindset. Instead of blaming a teammate, the play call, or bad luck, he took it in stride, focusing on the long journey ahead rather than the momentary setback. That quote isn’t just humble—it’s hopeful. It reflects the mentality of a player who understands that greatness is built brick by brick, moment by moment.
The truth is, Şengün is already far ahead of the curve. Averaging close to a double-double this season with impressive efficiency, he’s shown growth in nearly every facet of his game—from his court vision and passing to improved defense and footwork in the post. But the next step, the leap into true stardom, often comes from learning how to navigate failure, how to make those shots under the spotlight, and how to lead a team through adversity.
And he’s well on his way.
Veterans around the league have taken notice. Coaches speak highly of his work ethic, his basketball IQ, and his willingness to take constructive criticism. Houston fans have rallied around him, not just for what he already brings, but for what he promises to become. That missed shot? It was just one chapter in a story still being written.
Years from now, there’s a good chance that Şengün will bury a game-winner in a playoff series and flash a knowing smile—because he’ll remember moments like this. The miss. The quote. The growth.
In a league where egos often mask mistakes, Alperen Şengün chose humility and hunger. And that may just be what turns him into a star.
Because as he said: “I’m going to make those one day.” And if you’ve been watching him play, you believe it too.
