Alperen Sengun Praises Tiago Splitter for Enhancing His Development

The Houston Rockets celebrated their first NBA Cup victory of the season with a resounding 140-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. This game marked a significant moment for the Rockets, showcasing their defensive prowess by forcing 20 turnovers.

Alperen Sengun, the standout center for the Rockets, delivered an impressive performance. He recorded 25 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Sengun shot efficiently, making 9 of 13 attempts from the floor, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.

Alperen Sengun’s Praise for Tiago Splitter

Before the game, Sengun took the opportunity to express his admiration for Tiago Splitter, currently the head coach of the Trail Blazers. Splitter, who was previously an assistant coach under Ime Udoka for the Rockets during the 2023-24 season, played a crucial role in Sengun’s development.

Strengthening Skills and Mental Approach

• Sengun highlighted the importance of improving his left hand, a skill he honed during sessions with Splitter.
• The coaching relationship fostered to enhance Sengun’s ability to play with both hands effectively.
• Sengun appreciated Splitter’s mental coaching, especially when preparing to face tough opponents like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic.

“He taught me a lot. He’s like a brother,” Sengun remarked. “I had a brother-ship with him. I’m excited to play against him.” Sengun’s acknowledgment of Splitter’s influence reflects a strong bond built through mentorship.

Challenges for the Trail Blazers

Tiago Splitter took over as the acting head coach of the Trail Blazers under challenging circumstances. His predecessor, Chauncey Billups, faces serious legal issues tied to a gambling and sports betting scandal. Billups is implicated in a broader investigation involving illegal gambling operations.

Billups is scheduled to appear in court again on November 24th. He has been restricted from traveling beyond Oregon and Colorado and must surrender his passport. Despite these challenges, Splitter has steered the Trail Blazers to a 6-6 start in the season, currently positioning them ninth in the Western Conference.

The dynamic between Sengun and Splitter exemplifies the impact of mentorship in professional sports. As the Rockets look forward to future games, the influence of coaching relationships will continue to play a pivotal role in player development.