Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, often referred to as SGA, is a rising star in the NBA, known for his impressive skills and contributions to the Oklahoma City Thunder
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. Born on July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, SGA grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, where he developed his passion for basketball
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. His mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, was a track athlete who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics, and his father, Vaughn Alexander, played high school basketball
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SGA attended multiple high schools, including St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton and Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he honed his basketball skills
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. He then played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he quickly made a name for himself
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. In the 2018 NBA Draft, he was selected 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets but was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on the same night
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During his rookie season with the Clippers, SGA earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team
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. In July 2019, he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he has since become a key player
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. SGA’s first year with the Thunder saw him leading the team in scoring and helping them reach the playoffs as a fifth seed
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SGA’s performance continued to improve, and in 2023, he was named to his first NBA All-Star Game and voted to the All-NBA First Team
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. He finished the season averaging 31.4 points per game, ranking fourth in the league
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. His contributions to the Canadian national basketball team also earned him a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and a spot on the World Cup All-Tournament Team
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Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 195 pounds, SGA plays as a point guard and shooting guard
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. His versatility on the court, combined with his scoring ability and defensive prowess, makes him a formidable opponent
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. In the 2024-2025 season, SGA is averaging 31.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, showcasing his all-around skills
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SGA’s journey from a high school player in Canada to an NBA star is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love for the game
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. As he continues to develop and improve, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented young athlete.
For more information and highlights of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career, you can check out this ESPN profile.
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en.wikipedia.org
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www.espn.com
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www.basketball-reference.com