Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born on July 12th, 1998

Written by: Rajesh Kumar

The Rising Star of the NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, commonly referred to by his initials SGA, is a Canadian professional basketball player who has taken the NBA by storm with his incredible skills and stellar performances. As a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander has been making waves in the league, earning himself a spot on the NBA All-Star Game and receiving multiple accolades, including a spot on the All-NBA First Team.

Early Life and High School Career

Gilgeous-Alexander was born on July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, a former track athlete, and his father, Vaughn Alexander, a coach, instilled in him a love for sports from a young age. Gilgeous-Alexander began his high school career at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton before transferring to Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. He then moved to the United States, attending Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for his junior and senior years to improve his basketball skills.

College Career and NBA Draft

In 2017, Gilgeous-Alexander graduated from high school and went on to play one year of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. During his freshman year, he averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, earning him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. His impressive performance didn't go unnoticed, and he was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA draft, before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on the same night.

NBA Career and Accolades

In his rookie year, Gilgeous-Alexander was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and in July 2019, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In his first year with the Thunder, he became the team's leading scorer and helped them make the playoffs as a fifth seed. After dealing with injuries the next two seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander bounced back in 2023, earning his first NBA All-Star Game selection and a spot on the All-NBA First Team, finishing fourth in the league in scoring with an impressive 31.4 points per game.

International Career and Awards

Gilgeous-Alexander has also represented the Canadian national basketball team, winning the bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and being named to the World Cup All-Tournament Team. In recognition of his achievements, he received the Northern Star Award in 2023 as Canadian athlete of the year, becoming only the second basketball player to receive this honor.

Fun Facts

• Gilgeous-Alexander's mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, competed in the women's 400 meters for Antigua and Barbuda at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
• He cites Steve Nash, a fellow Canadian basketball player, as one of his childhood idols.
• Gilgeous-Alexander's favorite food is his mother's jerk chicken.

With his impressive skills, dedication, and passion for the game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly a rising star in the NBA, and his future looks brighter than ever.