Houston Rockets Star Alperen Sengun and NBPA Help Raise $42,000 to Aid Turkey Quake Victims

• Alperen Sengun showed he has a heart of gold, raising funds for disaster victims in Turkey
• The Houston Rockets star got some help from the NBPA as well as his coaches and teammates
• Sengun started playing professional basketball in the Asian country before moving to the NBA

Alperen Sengun is doing his part to help his homeland.

The Houston Rockets star donated to the non-governmental organization, Ahbap to assist in the relief efforts for earthquake-stricken Turkey.

The Turkish center’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, with fellow NBA players also contributing to the worthy cause.

Sengun raises funds for victims

Sengun took to social media to recognize those who have helped in the fund-raising efforts. He also thanked the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) for matching his donation to Ahbap.

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The center thanked everyone who participated in the auction and donated to the fundraiser. He also thanked the Houston Rockets organization, particularly his teammates and coaches, who contributed.

He revealed in his Twitter post that they have raised over $42,000 so far, all of which will go directly to Ahbap for disaster relief.

Earthquake ravages Syria and Turkey

Tragedy struck Syria and Turkey when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the two Asian countries on February 6. A 7.3 magnitude aftershock caused plenty of damage hours later, killing more than 47,000 people and leaving hundreds of thousands of others homeless.

Sengun quickly reacted to the news, writing on his social media feed that the pain they experienced was 'indescribable'. He added that his prayers and heart were with the citizens affected by the Kahramanmaras earthquake, per Sports Illustrated.

Sengun won MVP in Turkey

Sengun started his pro basketball career as a teen in his native Turkey. He made a name for himself there, capturing MVP honors in one league there back in 2021.

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That paved the way for him to be selected by the Rockets in the first round of the NBA Draft that summer.

The 20-year-old center has emerged as a possible foundation piece for the Rockets, which is currently in last place in the Western Conference at 13-45.

Ghana mourns Atsu’s death

Sports Brief recently reported on the Turkey earthquake and how Christian Atsu’s twin sister reacted to his death.

The winger was supposed to fly abroad and visit his family, but cancelled his flight after scoring a last-minute goal against Kasimpasa.

That proved to be Atsu’s final game, as he was killed in the earthquake that struck hours later, causing his apartment to collapse.