Houston Rockets center Alperen Şengün achieved a long-held goal Thursday when he was named an NBA All-Star for the first time in his career. Şengün was announced as one of the Western Conference reserves chosen by NBA head coaches to compete in the 2025 All-Star Game on Feb.

All-Star center Alperen Sengun (bruised calf) missed his first game of the season for the Rockets, who gave Steven Adams his first start.

Houston Rockets' center Alperen Sengun has been named to the NBA All-Star squad for 2025, making him the second Turkish player to receive this honor. The NBA All-Star Game will feature a new format, including a four-team mini-tournament with significant financial rewards for participating players.

Rockets' fourth-year center an icon in his home country, where Turkish fans and politicians support his career.

Rockets star Alperen Sengun earned the first NBA All-Star selection of his career, only needing one word to react to the news.