BREAKING NEWS: Excitement Hits Houston Rockets’ Toyota Center as Head Coach Ime Udoka Selects Alperen Şengün as Team Captain
Thunderous applause erupted inside the Toyota Center this morning as Houston Rockets Head Coach Ime Udoka made a major announcement that has fans and players buzzing: Alperen Şengün has been officially named the new team captain of the Houston Rockets.
The 23-year-old Turkish big man, known for his elite passing, high basketball IQ, and fiery competitiveness, has quickly risen to become the heart and soul of the Rockets. Coach Udoka, addressing the media in a packed press conference, said:
“Alpi embodies everything we want in a leader—work ethic, accountability, unselfishness, and passion. This team believes in him, and so do I.”
A New Era for the Rockets
Şengün, drafted 16th overall in 2021, has blossomed into one of the most dynamic centers in the NBA. Last season, he averaged 21.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game—numbers that solidified him as one of the league’s rising stars and a central figure in Houston’s playoff push.
The news of his captaincy sparked immediate reactions from teammates and fans alike. Guard Jalen Green posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Well deserved, Cap! 🫡 Let’s get it this year 🔥 #SengünSeason”
Veteran presence Fred VanVleet also chimed in:
“Alpi’s been putting in the work every day. Proud of him. Let’s chase greatness.”
Fan Frenzy
Inside the Toyota Center, fans holding Turkish flags and Rockets jerseys with Şengün’s name were seen cheering and chanting “MVP!” during the announcement. The moment was particularly emotional for Turkish fans, both in Houston and around the world, who view Şengün as a national hero and a global ambassador for Turkish basketball.
What This Means Going Forward
With Şengün now officially the face of the franchise’s leadership, expectations are high for the Rockets. The young core—featuring Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and newly drafted forward Bryce James—is looking to make a deep playoff run under Udoka’s defensive-minded system.
This move signals the organization’s full trust in Şengün not just as a player, but as the voice and engine of the team.
