Alperen Sengun & Co Face Major Injury Concern Before Semi-Final Clash vs Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece

EuroBasket 2025 is nothing short of spectacular, with scintillating games, all-time greats, and a wish-aways vista that kept fans glued to all through the matches. Among the biggest breakout stars of the tournament is Alperen Sengun with whose leadership and all-round brilliance have helped Turkiye storm into the semifinals, where they have an undefeated record. His performances have drawn comparisons to NBA superstars, and it’s easy to understand why – from triple-doubles to highlight reel passes, he’s been the driving force behind Turkiye’s success.

Now, Turkiye will take on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Greece in one of the most-circulated matchups in the tournament. The battle between the creative playmaking of Alperen Sengun and the dominant athleticism of Giannis laters fans buzzing with questions of how the game will go. With Turkiye’s balanced lineup and the efficiency seen in the rebounding, scoring, and assists provided by Sengun, it does seem that they are well-placed to break Greece’s frontcourts.

But while the excitement is mounting, there will be a serious concern looming over the hope of Turkiye to fight for the semi-finals — the injured veteran forward, Cedi Osman. While Alperen Sengun remains the core of the team’s performance, Osman’s state now is a big talking point, which could have profound ramifications on how Turkiye approaches this high-stakes clash.

Cedi Osman, one of the veterans of the Turkiye team and a key supporting player next to Alperen Sengun at the moment, is suffering with a nasty ankle injury. Though Osman hasn’t developed a stress fracture, he’s fighting bone swelling in his ankle that keeps him from putting his weight in the foot. Coach Ergin Ataman confirmed that Osman “will play under any circumstances,” but also admitted the seriousness of the injury — “If the game were today or tomorrow, he surely would not be able to play.”

The timing couldn’t be worse. With the semifinal set for Friday night, September 12, Türkiye has only a narrow window to assess whether Osman can recover enough to contribute meaningfully. Ataman expressed cautious hope, saying, “He has some time until Friday night, so I hope he can make progress,” but the uncertainty is real.

Osman’s role in Türkiye’s success can’t be understated. In the quarterfinal win over Poland, he chipped in 10 points and 5 rebounds, helping complement Alperen Sengun’s historic triple-double. His presence on both ends of the floor has provided balance to Türkiye’s attack, giving opponents more players to guard and less freedom to collapse solely on Sengun.

Should Osman be limited or unavailable, the burden on Alperen Sengun will only intensify. Opposing defenses can zero in on Türkiye’s star, crowding him and forcing others to step up. While players like Shane Larkin and Ömer Yurtseven provide additional firepower, few match the consistency and creativity that Sengun brings night after night.

Alperen Sengun’s Stellar Run, Even Amid Uncertainty

Despite the looming injury concerns, Alperen Sengun has been nothing short of a revelation this EuroBasket. In the quarterfinals against Poland, he recorded a historic triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the youngest player in tournament history to hit the mark at age 23. His dazzling full-court passes and near no-look assists have made him one of the most exciting players to watch.

Throughout the group stage, Sengun’s dominance continued. Against Estonia, he scored 21 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, becoming the first player in 30 years to post 20+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in three consecutive EuroBasket games. Against Serbia, he nearly added another triple-double with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists in a marquee win over Nikola Jokic’s side.

His efficiency is as impressive as his flair — shooting 62.5% from the field, 42.9% from beyond the arc, and 76.5% from the free-throw line, numbers that, if replicated in the NBA, would mark career highs. Türkiye’s undefeated streak and average margin of victory of 18.6 points per game have been powered largely by Sengun’s versatility as a scorer, rebounder, and facilitator.

Coach Ataman has even suggested that Sengun’s trajectory could rival that of the world’s best, saying, “His talent at age 23 gives him the potential to surpass Nikola Jokic in the future.”

With Osman’s availability uncertain, all eyes will be on Alperen Sengun to see if he can shoulder even more responsibility. His ability to navigate defenses, create shots for teammates, and control the pace will be crucial if Türkiye hopes to challenge Giannis’s high-powered attack.

The looming question is whether Sengun’s brilliance can carry Türkiye through a game where every possession counts and opponents will be hunting for weaknesses. The game against Greece could define not just the tournament’s outcome but Sengun’s legacy as one of the next great international players.

As fans prepare for the semifinal clash, the spotlight remains firmly on Alperen Sengun. Can he rise to the occasion and lead Türkiye despite the uncertainty surrounding Cedi Osman’s injury? Türkiye’s resilience, adaptability, and depth will be tested like never before.

So, what do you think — will Alperen Sengun be able to carry Türkiye through the semifinal, even if Osman isn’t fully fit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!