Alperen Şengün’s journey to professional basketball began when he was just 12 years old. Growing up in Giresun, Turkey, a coach’s words made him realise he needed to grow up fast.
He had to become the man his family needed, which meant leaving everything behind to pursue basketball at a club far from his hometown. If he impressed the youth team, he could advance to the pro ranks, and maybe someday play in America.
His family’s dreams were wrapped up in his, as they hoped he could provide a comfortable life for them.
Sacrifice and Separation
Living in a modest apartment with his parents and siblings, making ends meet was a struggle. Şengün’s father worked as a fisherman. His coach told him, “There’s nothing for you here. Leave for your family.”
Tears streamed down Şengün’s face as he departed. But the decision to leave was warranted because he was a promising prospect for the youth club. He had the game instinct and future potential that coaches identify early.
A few weeks into his time with the club, he was unhappy. Every night, he called his family, saying he missed them and wanted to come home.
This was the most difficult part of his journey.
“It was hard for me, and it was hard for them, too (my parents),” he says. “But they weren’t really showing me that.”
Embracing the Future
About four months in, Şengün began to embrace the sacrifice and dream of the future.
“I understood what I have to do this for,” he says, “to give my family and for myself a better life. And after some point, yo