Alperen Sengun is at the heart of Turkey’s EuroBasket 2025 run. The 23-year-old NBA All-Star is dominating the tournament with an elite blend of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. A triple-double against Poland put him in the company of legends like Toni Kukoc and Luka Doncic as the only players to achieve the statline in the tournament, while also becoming the youngest.

Sengun has averaged 20.8 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists per game. While doing so, he has become the first player in the last 30 years to get 150 points, 50 rebounds, and 50 assists in a single EuroBasket edition. Still, while the Houston Rockets star has undoubtedly been the leading light for his nation, it seems as is Sengun has dominated headlines despite the entire Turkey roster showing great resilience in their run to the final.

Alongside Sengun, Cedi Osman, Shane Larkin, and Ercan Osmani have played pivotal roles. Whether it’s knocking down big shots, controlling tempo, or defending elite talent, Turkey’s rotation has been the second-biggest reason behind their date with Germany in the final. 

Who are the Key Contenders for Turkey’s No. 2 Star?

Turkey’s depth has been their strength. Several names have stepped up consistently. Averaging 15.1 PPG, Cedi Osman is Turkey’s second-leading scorer. He posted 20 points against Latvia, 21 vs Czechia, and 17 in the Round of 16 vs Sweden. He’s also climbed to 4th all-time in EuroBasket scoring for Turkey with 358 career points. The 30-year-old forward plays for Panathinaikos under national team coach Ergin Ataman, which has worked out for the team in splendid fashion.

Meanwhile, Ercan Osmani’s 28-point explosion in the semifinal against Greece put the game to bed early. Osmani made 11 of his 15 shots, including 4-of-4 from deep in the first quarter. He also helped stifle Giannis Antetokounmpo on defense, all while averaging 12.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. And while Osman has been the team’s secondary scorer behind Sengun, Osmani has converted 17 of his 30 three-pointers in the tournament with an overall efficiency of 57.6%.

And while those two seemingly take the lead, Turkey’s strength, lies in their depth and the unlikely stars who have shown up at the one of the biggest international tournaments. Shane Larkin has quarterbacked the offense, especially in crunch-time situations. He’s kept turnovers low, dictated pace, and made timely plays. Larkin has gone at 11.4 points per game while also adding 4.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds. 

Against Poland, he has 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. In the semis against Greece, he added 14 points and five assists. As a matter of fact, Greece finished the semis with four players scoring in double digits. Osmani led the pack with 28 while Sengun had a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Cedi Osman scored 17, and while that does give a fair idea of the kind of offense Turkey has, there are defensive standouts as well.

Furkan Korkmaz, despite not being in the starting lineup, has contributed with 7.6 points per game while providing defensive cover. Hence, there may not be a simple answer to the question of who Turkey’s second-best player is. On numbers alone, Osman takes the cake considering he is the second-leading scorer whilst also shooting at over 50% from the three. However, each of the above-mentioned players form an elite core that has bowed to noone yet at EuroBasket 2025.

Comparing Cedi Osman’s Role with Sengun

Osman is not a primary playmaker like Sengun, but he is Turkey’s most consistent scoring wing. When defenses collapse on Sengun, it’s Osman who pushes them from the perimeter or drives, just like he did during the back-to-back over 20-point games he opened the tournament with. His off-ball movement opens space for Sengun to work in the post. Osman kept Turkey’s scoring flow alive when the Rockets star was neutralized early against Poland.

He also brings composure. In the same game he was hurt, Osman returned from a foot injury, demonstrating grit. He scored 17 in the Round of 16 against Sweden and helped break Sweden’s zone defense with smart cuts and outside shots. Head coach Ergin Ataman said of Osman before the semifinals: “If I know Cedi, for sure he will be on the court.” That trust reflects Osman’s stature on this team. While Sengun dazzles with vision and footwork, Osman brings experience and steadiness. They complement each other, the All-Star center drawing the attention, the veteran forward capitalizing on it.

Osman’s leadership off the court is just as important. As Turkey’s UNICEF ambassador and a veteran of international play, he sets the emotional tone. His presence boosts confidence for younger players like Osmani and Bona. 

Propelling Turkey to a commanding 94-68 semifinal win over Greece and into the final against Germany, Cedi has hit clutch shots, taken on tough defensive matchups, and still delivered nearly 15 points per game. Osman is Turkiye’s second all-time leading scorer among active players behind Sengun. If Turkey wins the EuroBasket trophy, it will be because Sengun led, and Osman supported him every step of the way.

Importance of second option for Turkey’s success.

Shane Larkin said, “We have guys who can come in and win games, and I think we showed that tonight.” That was after Turkey had seven players in double digits in one of their group-stage wins. Depth has been a defining feature of Turkey’s success. Furkan Korkmaz said it best,“Every day, we are showing it. We’re not just winning the games, we’re enjoying playing basketball.”

Sengun’s numbers are historic, but Turkey is undefeated in games where they score over 45 points in the first half. That stat is only possible when the entire team contributes. Having Osman as a steady second option has allowed Sengun to avoid burnout and focus on facilitating. The numbers give away the secret. While Sengun has led the charge and has been the focus of opposition defences, Turkey’s secondary scorers are having a feast.