History Made: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes Kentucky’s First NBA MVP
In a landmark moment for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the illustrious University of Kentucky basketball program, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially been named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 season. This prestigious accolade marks a significant milestone, as SGA becomes the first player from the storied Kentucky Wildcats to ever capture the league’s most coveted individual honor.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, cemented Gilgeous-Alexander’s meteoric rise to superstardom. After a phenomenal regular season where he led the Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference (68-14), his compelling case for MVP became undeniable. Averaging a career-high 32.7 points per game, along with 6.4 assists, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 blocks, all on efficient shooting splits of 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three, and 89.8% from the free-throw line, SGA was the undisputed engine of a dynamic and youthful Thunder squad.
His impact stretched far beyond mere statistics. Gilgeous-Alexander consistently delivered in clutch moments, showcasing a remarkable poise and killer instinct that belied his age. His ability to navigate defenses, draw fouls, and finish through contact became a hallmark of his game, earning him the moniker of a “free-throw merchant” – a title he has embraced with a sly smile.
For years, the University of Kentucky has been a pipeline to the NBA, producing an abundance of All-Stars, All-NBA selections, and even Hall of Famers. Yet, the MVP award, the ultimate individual recognition in the league, had eluded every Wildcat to date. Players like Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and even legendary ABA MVP Dan Issel (who was a runner-up for the NBA MVP in 1972) had come close, but none had sealed the deal. Gilgeous-Alexander, a product of John Calipari’s highly successful program in 2018, now stands alone in this elite category.
His journey to this point has been a testament to relentless hard work and continuous improvement. Drafted 11th overall in 2018 by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, SGA quickly established himself as a promising young guard. However, it was his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, as part of the blockbuster Paul George deal, that truly set the stage for his breakout. Under the guidance of the Thunder’s development-focused organization, Gilgeous-Alexander steadily refined his game, adding layers to his offensive repertoire and solidifying his defensive presence.
This MVP award is not just a personal triumph for Gilgeous-Alexander, but a defining moment for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, affirming their audacious rebuild strategy built around young talent. It also serves as a point of immense pride for the Kentucky Wildcats faithful, who can now proudly claim an NBA MVP as one of their own. As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the Thunder into what promises to be a bright future, his name will forever be etched in history as the first Wildcat to reach the pinnacle of individual NBA success.
