University of Kentucky Honors Shai Gilgeous-Alexander With Full-Page Ad in The Oklahoman After MVP Season Celebration

The University of Kentucky has long celebrated its basketball alumni, and on the heels of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable MVP season, the program went above and beyond to show its pride. In a rare and striking gesture, Kentucky took out a full-page advertisement in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City’s most prominent newspaper, to congratulate the Thunder superstar on being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. The ad wasn’t just a note of congratulations — it was a deeply personal tribute, steeped in gratitude, pride, and a recognition of the journey that has brought Gilgeous-Alexander from Lexington to the pinnacle of professional basketball.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who played one standout season for the Wildcats in 2017–18 under head coach John Calipari, has rapidly developed into one of the NBA’s elite players. His rise has been meteoric, but it’s not just the numbers that make his MVP campaign so memorable. It’s the style, the grace, the leadership, and the relentless work ethic that have defined his path since college — all of which Kentucky proudly highlighted in the ad that took up a full page in The Oklahoman.

The ad itself was simple, clean, and elegant — mirroring the poise that Shai brings to the court. A large image of Gilgeous-Alexander in his Thunder uniform dominated the center, while the bottom featured a heartfelt message from the Kentucky basketball family: “Congratulations to our Wildcat forever, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player. Once a Cat, Always a Cat.” It also included the unmistakable Kentucky “UK” logo and a signature blue and white color scheme that made it immediately recognizable to fans of the program. For anyone flipping through the morning paper in Oklahoma, it was impossible to miss — and impossible to ignore the message of love and pride sent from Lexington.

For Kentucky, this was more than just congratulating a former player. It was a declaration — a statement to recruits, fans, and the larger basketball world that the program not only develops elite talent but also continues to support its players long after they leave campus. It also reflected the close-knit nature of the Kentucky basketball fraternity, which has seen numerous players go on to NBA stardom but still keeps strong ties to their collegiate roots. The ad was proof that Shai remains a Wildcat at heart — even while he dominates in Thunder blue.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey to MVP wasn’t guaranteed. He arrived in Lexington as a four-star recruit from Hamilton, Ontario — a player with potential but not necessarily pegged for superstardom. At Kentucky, he quickly blossomed. Under Calipari’s guidance, he evolved into a do-it-all guard with poise beyond his years. By season’s end, he was leading Kentucky in key moments, orchestrating the offense, locking down on defense, and showing the flashes of brilliance that would soon become routine in the NBA. His lone season at UK ended with an SEC Tournament title and a run to the Sweet 16, but more importantly, it marked the birth of a future NBA leader.

Drafted 11th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018 and quickly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander showed promise from the start. But it wasn’t until his trade to Oklahoma City in the Paul George deal that his game truly exploded. With the Thunder, he was given the reins — and he responded by developing into one of the most dynamic guards in the league. Over the past few seasons, he’s made All-Star appearances, earned All-NBA nods, and led the Thunder through a rebuild into serious playoff contention. This season, his MVP campaign was nothing short of spectacular: he averaged over 30 points per game, was among the league leaders in steals, and guided the Thunder to one of the best records in the NBA.

Perhaps most impressive was how Gilgeous-Alexander achieved it all — not with brashness or self-promotion, but with a quiet, focused intensity. His style is deliberate and smooth, often compared to old-school greats for the way he dictates tempo and creates space. There’s a patience to his game that defies his age — a sense of control that makes it seem like he’s playing chess while others are playing checkers. It’s no surprise that fans, analysts, and fellow players alike have gravitated toward him, not just as a star, but as a role model.

In Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander has become more than a player — he’s a symbol of the franchise’s future. His MVP win was not only a personal triumph but a communal one for the Thunder fan base, who have rallied behind him as the face of their team. Kentucky’s decision to place the ad in The Oklahoman recognized that fact. It was a way of saying, “We see you. We celebrate you. And we’re still with you.” It was also a nod to the Kentucky roots that continue to shape Gilgeous-Alexander’s identity — a connection that remains strong despite the miles and the years.

Coach John Calipari, known for developing NBA talent and maintaining strong relationships with his former players, was among the first to publicly congratulate Gilgeous-Alexander on social media. In his post, Calipari called the MVP win “well-deserved” and praised Shai not just for his on-court excellence, but for his humility, leadership, and character. “Shai is the ultimate example of what happens when talent meets work ethic and a desire to keep improving,” Calipari wrote. “He’s always been mature beyond his years, and what he’s accomplished is inspiring to all the young men who come through our program.”

That inspiration is tangible. Current Kentucky players often cite Gilgeous-Alexander as someone they look up to — not just for what he’s achieved, but for how he’s done it. His path reinforces the idea that UK is more than just a stop on the way to the NBA. It’s a foundation, a brotherhood, and a community that continues to support and elevate its members long after they’ve left campus. The ad in The Oklahoman brought that sentiment full circle. In celebrating one of their own on the biggest stage, Kentucky showed that loyalty runs both ways.

Fans in both Kentucky and Oklahoma took to social media to share the ad, with many praising the university for the classy move. “This is what makes Kentucky different,” one fan posted. “We don’t just produce pros — we celebrate our guys like family.” Others noted that the gesture was especially meaningful coming from a college program to a city and fan base that have embraced Gilgeous-Alexander so fully. It wasn’t just about Shai — it was about the shared journey, the overlapping communities, and the impact that one player can have on two very different basketball worlds.

For Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP honor is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and quiet excellence. But it’s also just the beginning. At only 26 years old, he’s entering the prime of his career with a team that’s on the rise and a game that’s still evolving. And while his future is unquestionably tied to the Thunder, the roots he planted in Lexington remain an integral part of his story.

The full-page ad was a reminder of those roots — a public love letter from a proud program to one of its brightest stars. It was a rare moment of sincerity in the often transactional world of professional sports. And for Kentucky, it was another opportunity to show why it remains one of the premier destinations for young players looking to chase their dreams. Because at Kentucky, greatness isn’t just developed — it’s celebrated, honored, and remembered.

As the NBA continues to celebrate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible season, the University of Kentucky will keep watching — and cheering — from afar. Because no matter where his journey leads, for the Wildcats, he’ll always be part of the family. Once a Cat, always a Cat.