Shai Gilgeous Alexander of has just Opened his Scoring Sheet.
In the fast-paced world of college basketball, few players redefine expectations as dramatically and gracefully as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did during his time at the University of Kentucky. The wiry, soft-spoken Canadian arrived in Lexington in 2017 as a relatively under-the-radar recruit compared to the typical five-star juggernauts Kentucky fans had grown accustomed to. But over the course of a single season, he blossomed into not only a team leader but also a legitimate NBA prospect. This is the story of how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander opened his scoring sheet at Kentucky — and rewrote the trajectory of his career in the process.
A Quiet Arrival
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, often referred to simply as “SGA,” wasn’t the most hyped freshman in Kentucky’s star-studded 2017 recruiting class. While names like Kevin Knox and PJ Washington drew most of the headlines, SGA was seen by many as a utility guard — someone who could handle the ball, play defense, and fill in wherever needed. Coming from Hamilton, Ontario, by way of Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Tennessee, Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t carry the same sizzle as some of his peers.
But what he lacked in flash, he made up for in poise.
In those early non-conference games, SGA came off the bench, logging modest minutes and quietly contributing. His early scoring totals weren’t jaw-dropping — 4 points here, 6 points there — but the coaching staff, particularly John Calipari, saw something different. They saw a cerebral player with an advanced understanding of spacing and tempo. A guard who, though still physically developing, had the potential to control the game like a seasoned veteran.
And then came December.
The Breakout: Louisville Game MVP
On December 29, 2017, Kentucky faced off against arch-rival Louisville — a game always loaded with tension, emotion, and big moments. For Shai, it was the perfect stage.
SGA erupted for 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, orchestrating the Wildcats’ offense with a calm, surgical efficiency. He slithered into the lane at will, finished with both hands, and hit clutch free throws down the stretch. His length and instincts on defense helped neutralize Louisville’s perimeter attack. Kentucky won 90–61, and Gilgeous-Alexander was named MVP of the game by the Bluegrass Sports Commission.
This was no longer a utility guard. This was a star being born.
From that moment on, SGA’s role was permanently altered. Calipari inserted him into the starting lineup, giving him full reign as the team’s primary ball handler. He would not relinquish that role for the rest of the season.
Steady Growth and Versatility
What set Shai apart wasn’t just the scoring. It was the balance.
Throughout SEC play, he continued to fill the stat sheet — averaging 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game over the course of the season. His ability to play both guard positions, defend multiple spots, and adapt to the flow of the game made him indispensable.
In a game against Vanderbilt on January 30, 2018, he scored 22 points and hit clutch shots in overtime. In the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Georgia, he dropped 15 points and 6 assists. Against Alabama in the semifinals? 23 points. He was beginning to dominate.
Then came the SEC Championship game against Tennessee — a gritty, high-stakes battle that saw SGA rise to the occasion with 29 points, leading Kentucky to the conference title. His ability to absorb contact, make reads under pressure, and knock down mid-range jumpers became hallmarks of his game.
Style and Substance
Watching Shai play was — and still is — like watching water find its level. He has a unique, almost hypnotic rhythm. His dribble moves are economical, not flashy. He doesn’t rely on brute strength or pure speed, but rather angles, timing, and length. At 6’6″ with a 7-foot wingspan, he could switch onto nearly any guard in the country, disrupt passing lanes, and contest shots with precision.
What also stood out was his maturity. While other players occasionally let emotions get the best of them, SGA had a cool, composed demeanor. On and off the court, he carried himself with the confidence of someone who understood the long game.
March Madness and Beyond
In the 2018 NCAA Tournament, SGA put on a show in Kentucky’s first two games. In the opening round against Davidson, he posted 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. In the next game against Buffalo, he followed up with a clinical 27-point performance, shooting 10-of-12 from the field and adding 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
Suddenly, NBA scouts weren’t just taking notice — they were rewriting their draft boards.
Although Kentucky fell short in the Sweet 16 against Kansas State, Shai’s stock had soared. He had transformed from a secondary option into a team leader and floor general — all in the span of a few months.
