Full Name: Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander
Nickname: SGA, Shai
Place of Birth: Toronto, Ontario
Education: Kentucky
Parents: Charmaine Gilgeous and Vaughn Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Biography Details, Age, Net Worth, & Basketball Career
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian basketball luminary, adeptly commands the shooting guard and small forward positions for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His meteoric rise to elite status in the league attests to his prowess, leaving an indelible impact on various franchises in his relatively brief tenure.
Basketball Career
High School Career (Hamilton Heights Christian Academy)
Gilgeous-Alexander commenced his high school journey in Canada, initially facing setbacks in Hamilton, Ontario. After transferring to Sir Allan MacNab, he ultimately concluded his high school odyssey at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee. During his senior year, he averaged an impressive 18 points and 4 rebounds per game, showcasing his talent on international stages like the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit and the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 tournament.
College Career (Kentucky Wildcats)
Choosing the Kentucky Wildcats for his collegiate endeavors, Gilgeous-Alexander swiftly ascended from a backup point guard to the starting lineup by the end of his freshman season. He earned recognition as the MVP of the SEC Tournament, propelling Kentucky to the Sweet Sixteen in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. Following this, he declared for the NBA Draft, culminating his one-year college stint with averages of 14.4 points and 5.1 assists per game.
NBA Career
Drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2018 NBA Draft, Gilgeous-Alexander‘s journey took a detour as he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on draft day. A stellar rookie season ensued, marked by impressive statistics, including a 47% field goal efficiency. Subsequently, he found himself traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where his collaboration with seasoned point guard Chris Paul elevated both his scoring average and the team’s playoff prospects.
Net Worth, Salary, Endorsements & Career Earnings
In 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander inked a three-year, $11 million rookie deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. With an estimated net worth ranging from $1 million to $5 million, his star power positions him for a lucrative second contract. Nike recognized his potential early on, securing an endorsement deal for the rising star, with additional opportunities likely to unfold as he ascends the league hierarchy.
Personal Life
Born in Toronto, Canada, to parents Charmaine Gilgeous and Vaughn Alexander, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has familial ties to the NBA, including cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker. In his personal life, he’s romantically linked with Hailey Summers, a college soccer player at the University at Albany.
Awards & Achievements
Gilgeous-Alexander’s accolades include a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2019, a testament to his immediate impact in the professional league.
Fun Facts
• A proficient foul shooter, SGA boasts an over 80% free throw success rate since his college days.
• His mother, an Olympian, represented Antigua and Barbuda in the 1992 Olympic games.
• Despite an NCAA Tournament loss to Kansas State, the team later ousted UMBC, the first 16-seed to defeat a top seed.
• Initially committed to Florida, Gilgeous-Alexander pivoted to join John Calipari’s Wildcats.
• Setting a historic record, he became the youngest player to secure a triple-double with 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists in a game.
