I can see it but his defense and 3pt shooting is way more promising. Scola's career high is .6 blocks in 32 minutes, not comparable. Passing obviously better. You can say he's a better version of Scola on both ends. EDIT: Now that I think about it, Sengun is a better rebounder too. Scola had better midrange game. I'm not sure they have anything in common but crafty post moves.
Exactly right, it's the only thing (and they have a similar complexion, which is where I really think that comparison comes from). And really the only thing where Scola (whom I love) was better was midrange jump shots.
DMo was more like Scola with that finesse game and range. Sengun is like Domantas Sabonis with that extremely physical low post game and deft passing.
I don't think it's a bad comparison, but Scola was a pretty sick player with a really consistent and established game. I think he came into the league too late and only had 2-3 years in his prime. I think if he got into the league at 19, he'd be a rock and a true 3rd option on any championship team. Sengun is much flashier, and but is still trying to find himself in the NBA.
I’m a humongous Scola fan so I’m definitely biased—but a more athletic Scola with unreal passing vision would be one hell of a player. and it just so happens there’s this young Turkish fella in Houston….
His knees were shot at that point if I recall. 20 year old Sengun and 20 year old Webber are more similar than Sengun/Scola.
You know who's a pretty good comp to Sengun that never gets brought up? Chris Webber. They operate in the same spots, great passing, high skill. Way closer to Sengun than Scola is.
2x all star David Lee is his comp. Decent player but definitely not the best player on a 50 plus win team
Alpi will be better next year than David Lee in his best year ever. And he will still be a year younger than David Lee was when he even entered the league.
The more I watch Sengun the less this comp holds up. Scola was the scoopman deluxe but Sengun has a way bigger post repertoire. Scola was also cash money on that 18ft behind the free throw line shot, Sengun is way hesitant on any jumper. Scola was a position defender who took charges and flopped a lot. Sengun goes for blocks.
There are certainly stark differences, but to me, it’s the foot work and the ability to rebound while not being bigger, stronger, or a vertical. And while he doesn’t scoop, he has a million fakes before he has a quick decisive finish. He’s shifty. Scola was shifty. If he adds a good 18 foot jumper, let alone a 3 pointer, dude will be unguardable. Really hope he works on his jumper this off-season.
Not sure where you get this comp, though it’s been a while so maybe I’ve forgotten. I remember Lee being a cleanup guy. Just always fighting and getting put backs. Did he have a good back to the basket game? Genuinely can’t recall.
I don’t agree that he’s “way closer” but I think he’s somewhere in between. Webber was more athletic. Mannn imagine Sengun in Adelman’s system.
Sengun is definitely strong though, he's bodied up lots of season vets. Maybe I just don't remember Scola was a lifetime ago but I never thought he was a power player.
Oh I just meant Scola and Sengun both aren’t as big and strong as other centers but still found ways to rebound. Not that Scola was stronger than Scola. Probably about the same — though Scola was 42 when he played here. He had that old man strength. and it’s not like Sengun “powers through” players. When guys go for strips he doesn’t bring them up with them. He either gets fouled or they strip him successfully. He’s not taking anyone to the rim. He and Scola both have strong bases and legs. Which is what allows them to back people down. Different kind of strength.
Scola had much better footwork in the post. But sengun has him beat as a passer and offensive overall awareness
