By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Houston Rockets rookie center Alperen Sengun has begun to learn the tricks of his position by one of the best-ever big men: Hakeem Olajuwon.
The Rockets released a video on Twitter that shows Olajuwon showing spin moves (including his signature Dream Shake), teaching lessons and providing advice to Sengun on when to move the ball to the basket or take the shot that the defense gives him. “To be a complete player, you feel free on the court,” Olajuwon tells Sengun. “The most important is the foundation of all the moves.”
"To be a complete player, you feel free on the court."
Hakeem Olajuwon X Alperen Sengun pic.twitter.com/cwvfYClIFq
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 29, 2022
“It seems like he’s very strong, the way he backs guys down. What we need now is the control of the ball, and his spin,” Olajuwon comments on Sengun. The young Turkish player couldn’t find a better teacher than the former MVP and two-time (1994, 1995) NBA champion, one of the most complete and dominant centers of all time.
Sengun was eagerly waiting for this workout sessions. Back in December, he had talked about his plans to practice together with Olajuwon and how the legendary Rocket had told him that he’s going to “teach him some moves.”
After winning 2021 Turkish League MVP with Besiktas three months before he turned 19, Sengun was selected with the 16th overall pick. He’s so far averaging 8.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists in just 18.0 minutes over 41 game so far in his rookie season, displaying his versatility and potential and showing why he may be one of the steals of last year’s Draft.
Photo: Houston Rockets