https://www.eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/1301810/alperen-sengun-working-out-with-hakeem-olajuwon/ Hakeem Olajuwon began mentoring young Rockets center Alperen Sengun 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.” “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. I can't believe it. Also did someone else post this? Because how can it not deserve its own thread?
Hakeem teaches him all his moves, Silas refuses to play him to develop Wood, Sengun signs with another team, becomes MVP.
NBA heights are not an exact science oddly enough. Wood also is listed at 6'10 but he is clearly taller.
I hope he puts in years of training with the Sensei and we get some karate kid training montages for it
We do shrink as we age…plus we can’t tell from the photo but Olajuwon could be in sandals for all we know to Sengun’s shoes.
Love the rook’s old school post up game, under Dreams tutelage he could be a 20/10 guy in a few years!
Has anyone really seen a dream shake on the court? Even if learned, you have to develop a confidence to use it over and over again. Even Olajuwon took several years before relying on it. My initial thought is that Scola could add more to his game. But if he can develop the Olajuwon Fade or Shake, then he makes himself a 20 point scorer instantly. The reality however is that his skills will only slightly improve. Anyone can learn it. But he has to use it.
I think it’s been said so many times before, but The Dream’s coaching is more valuable for those who are already smooth in the post (or possess good footwork) Sengun is the textbook example of a player who will benefit from Hakeem’s teachings, and I bet he’s already impressed with the kid’s ability to pick stuff up—even without a perfect grasp of Engilsh
I’m so excited that i need to take a break from my post hiatus mode.. learn all you can from Hakeem, young fella.. especially that turn around fade away jumper! Please spend all summer polish your post up skills! and maybe take a little time too with your hot translator
Very true. Dream even worked with Dwert, and he never seemed to grasp it. If Dwert just stuck with pick and roll (instead of demanding to be a primary ball handler) and just used some of what Dream taught, he would've been a monster. I continue to have high hopes for Sengun
A fade away jumper would pretty much make Sengun a monster in the post. That and upper body strength should be his off-season goals. It would be great if he grew a couple of inches. He is clearly only about 6’8.
