SHOCKING NEWS: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History as Kentucky’s First NBA MVP
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History as Kentucky’s First NBA MVP. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard earned the 2025 NBA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the first University of Kentucky player to ever claim the league’s top individual honor. In doing so, he not only cemented his place among basketball’s elite but also gave Kentucky’s storied program a new badge of pride.
Throughout the 2024–25 season, Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the court with consistency, poise, and purpose. He averaged 30.1 points, 6.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game while leading the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference standings. Few expected Oklahoma City to contend for a title this year, but Gilgeous-Alexander made believers out of everyone—fans, analysts, and fellow players alike.
The MVP race featured tough competition, with stars like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, and Giannis Antetokounmpo also posting incredible seasons. Still, voters recognized Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around impact, especially on defense. While many stars focus mostly on offense, he locked in on both ends, often guarding the opponent’s top perimeter threat while carrying the scoring load for his team.
His journey to this point speaks volumes about his character and work ethic. In 2017, Kentucky brought him in as a four-star recruit—not the most hyped name in that class. But under coach John Calipari, Gilgeous-Alexander quickly turned heads with his ability to control the game and rise to big moments. He averaged 14.4 points and 5.1 assists during his lone season in Lexington, then entered the 2018 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets selected him 11th overall and traded him to the Clippers that same night. A year later, he joined the Thunder in a blockbuster deal for Paul George.
Rather than let expectations weigh him down, Gilgeous-Alexander embraced the opportunity in Oklahoma City. He improved his stats every year, added muscle to his frame, sharpened his midrange game, and developed into a top-tier defender. His All-Star nod in 2023 signaled his arrival, but this season’s MVP award confirms his superstar status.
This achievement also gives Kentucky basketball fans a reason to celebrate. The Wildcats have sent dozens of players to the NBA, including Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite their success, none of them had captured an MVP trophy—until Gilgeous-Alexander changed that narrative.
More importantly, his win shifts the spotlight to a new generation of NBA leaders. He doesn’t rely on flashy highlights or media hype. Instead, he lets his game speak for itself. His discipline, humility, and versatility embody what the modern NBA values most.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just win MVP he earned it every step of the way. And he may only be getting started.