Alperen Sengun’s Coach’s Warning Realized as Nikola Jokic’s 19-Game Winning Streak Ends

Turkey vs. Serbia at EuroBasket 2025 was billed as a showdown of two of the best big men in Europe, and it delivered on every front. Heading into the clash, Turkey coach Ergin Ataman praised his 23-year-old star Alperen Sengun, even suggesting he could surpass Nikola Jokic in the future. That confidence seemed bold at the time — but it quickly took on new weight after the result.

Behind Sengun’s monster night, Turkey ended Serbia’s remarkable 19-game winning streak, one that stretched back through qualifiers, international friendlies, and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sengun was everywhere on the floor, finishing with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists on 58.8% shooting. Supported by Shane Larkin’s 23 points and 9 assists, plus Cedi Osman’s 16, Turkey pulled off a statement 95–90 victory.

Jokic, as always, was brilliant, nearly carrying Serbia across the line with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in 32 minutes. Yet despite his efficiency and the support of Marko Guduric (12 points) and Stefan Jovic (10 points, 6 assists), Serbia couldn’t withstand Sengun’s dominance and Turkey’s hot shooting from deep.

The loss marks Serbia’s first loss to a team from Europe was nearly two years ago in the FIBA World Cup Final against Germany

For Turkey, the win not only secures control of Group A but also cements Sengun’s arrival as the next great European big man — exactly what his coach had predicted.

(this is a building story..)

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