National Basketball Player Alperen Şengün Receives the “Those Who Add Value to Türkiye” Award

National basketball player Alperen Şengün, this year’s recipient of Bahçeşehir University’s (BAU) traditional “Those Who Add Value to Türkiye Award”, attended the award ceremony held in his honor. Speaking at the event, the NBA star said, “My only goal is to be a positive role model for young people in my country. One of my biggest dreams is to see more young Turkish players in the NBA.”

Alperen Şengün, who plays for the Houston Rockets in the NBA, was selected for the “Those Who Add Value to Türkiye Award,” presented annually by Bahçeşehir University to an individual who contributes to education and development while making a significant impact on the country’s economy, sports, cultural heritage, promotion, and international recognition. Şengün received his award at a ceremony held at BAU’s South Campus in Beşiktaş, where he was welcomed enthusiastically by students.

The national basketball player, who has earned the distinction of being selected as an NBA All-Star twice, was greeted by BAU students and youth players from the Bahçeşehir College basketball program. The ceremony, held at the BAU South Campus Conference Hall, was attended by BAU Board of Trustees Chairman Enver Yücel, Bahçeşehir College Executive Board Chairman Hüseyin Yücel and his wife Nurşah Yücel, Bahçeşehir College Sports Club President Begüm Yücel, members of the BAU Board of Trustees, BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu, academics, and students.

The ceremony began with a short documentary about Alperen Şengün. Delivering the opening speech, BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu explained the reasons behind selecting Şengün for the award and congratulated him for successfully representing Türkiye on the international stage.

‘ALPEREN ŞENGÜN IS ONE OF THE INSPIRING FIGURES OF TURKISH SPORTS’

Speaking at the award ceremony, BAU Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hüseyin Yücel said:

“Today, we have gathered to honor a remarkable individual who proudly represents our country on the world’s biggest basketball stage. Despite his young age, Alperen Şengün has become one of the most inspiring figures in Turkish sports through his hard work, character, and achievements. His performance in the NBA is not only a personal success story but also a powerful reflection of the level Turkish basketball has reached.”

‘BAHÇEŞEHİR IS OUR HOME, BEŞİKTAŞ IS OUR PASSION’

Yücel continued, “For us, Bahçeşehir is our home, and Beşiktaş is our passion. Alperen is a source of pride for all of us. In that sense, we also share common values with him. Both of our hearts beat in black and white. Therefore, it gives me even greater happiness to see Alperen receiving this award. Clubs will naturally compete on the field today within the spirit of fair play, but when it comes to applauding the talents raised by Turkish sports, we are all on the same side. I wholeheartedly congratulate Alperen Şengün and wish him continued success. We are fortunate to have you, Alperen, and fortunate that you are a son of this country.”

‘WE SUPPORT YOUNG TALENTS AT EVERY LEVEL AND IN EVERY SPORT’

BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu also addressed the audience, saying, “I am delighted to see students, academics, and young athletes from various faculties and departments of our university here with us today. As Bahçeşehir University, we place great importance on helping young people discover their potential, pursue their dreams with courage, and develop as well-rounded individuals. Sports are an important part of this approach. Through this understanding, we support young talents at every level and in every branch of sports, from the senior teams of Bahçeşehir College Sports Club to its youth development programs, accompanying them throughout their growth journey. I believe that all of our students here today, especially our young athletes, will find powerful inspiration in Mr. Alperen Şengün’s story, which demonstrates what can be achieved through hard work, discipline, and determination. Our distinguished guest, whom we honor today, represents this vision not only through his achievements but also through the inspiration he provides to young people. We are delighted to welcome Mr. Alperen Şengün, who proudly represents our country on international platforms and serves as a role model for younger generations through his dedication and success. We see it as an important responsibility to highlight individuals who inspire our youth and proudly represent Türkiye around the world.”

‘ONE OF MY BIGGEST DREAMS IS TO SEE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE NBA’

In his speech, Alperen Şengün said, “My only goal is to be a positive role model for young people in my country. One of my biggest dreams is to see more young people playing in the NBA. Being the best example I can be and representing my country in the best possible way is my greatest pride and responsibility.”

AWARD CEREMONY AND A BEŞİKTAŞ JERSEY

Following the speeches, the award presentation took place. NBA star Alperen Şengün received his award from Bahçeşehir College Basketball Club President Begüm Yücel. Hüseyin Yücel presented the award certificate, while Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu presented a bouquet of flowers. At the end of the ceremony, Hüseyin Yücel also gifted Şengün a signed Beşiktaş jersey.

After the ceremony, Alperen Şengün, as the guest of BAU Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hüseyin Yücel, visited the exhibition titled “Selections”, featuring works of calligraphy, illumination, and decorative arts, organized in collaboration with the Nakkaş Decorative Arts Center at the Gazi Osman Paşa Mansion on BAU South Campus in Beşiktaş. Yücel also presented Şengün with a calligraphy artwork featuring verses from Surahs Al-A'la and Al-Ikhlas.