Israeli, Turkish stars named to NBA All-Star World team: What to know
Deni Avdija and Alperen Sengun are making their first appearances in the premier basketball league’s all-star game as the sport’s profile in the Middle East grows.
An Israeli and a Turkish player will play for Team World in the upcoming National Basketball Association All-Star Games, a historic accomplishment for both countries.
Deni Avdija, a 25-year-old Israeli who plays small forward for the Portland Trail Blazers, and Alperen Sengun, a 23-year-old Turk who plays power forward and center for the Houston Rockets, were both named to the World team at the upcoming NBA All-Star Games. The two will join the likes of established foreign stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic in facing off against two teams of American players.
The games will take place on Sunday in Los Angeles and will follow a round-robin format. The final rosters for the teams were announced on Tuesday, and Sengun was selected to replace the injured Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Avdija will be the first Israeli to play in the prestigious game, while Sengun is only the second Turkish athlete to participate.
