Player Achievement:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a standout from Kentucky men’s basketball during the 2017-18 season, earns his first NBA All-Star starter position, as announced on TNT.
- This marks Gilgeous-Alexander’s second career All-Star nod, showcasing his impressive contributions to the Oklahoma City Thunder this season.
Selection Criteria:
- The NBA All-Star starter selection is based on a combined vote from fans, players, and media.
Season Performance:
- Gilgeous-Alexander is currently averaging 31.1 points per game, 6.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per contest in the ongoing season.
- His notable achievements place him fourth in the league in scoring and first in steals across 43 games played.
- The current season showcases career-high averages in rebounds, assists, and steals.
Kentucky Basketball Legacy:
- Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the fifth player under the coaching leadership of John Calipari at Kentucky to be selected as an NBA All-Star game starter.
- Other players include Anthony Davis (four-time), Derrick Rose (from Memphis, two-time), John Wall, and DeMarcus Cousins.
Collegiate Contributions:
- During his time with the Wildcats in the 2017-18 season, Gilgeous-Alexander contributed significantly, averaging 14.4 points and 5.1 assists per game.
- He played a pivotal role in helping the Wildcats secure an SEC Tournament crown, earning the MVP title.
- Gilgeous-Alexander received recognition as an All-SEC Second Team and All-SEC Freshman Team honoree.
- His postseason performance included notable averages of 20.7 points, 6.3 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game in the SEC and NCAA Tournaments combined.
- He was drafted 11th overall by the Hornets before his draft rights were traded to the Clippers.
Kentucky’s NBA Success Under Calipari:
- Kentucky boasts unprecedented success in placing players in the NBA under Coach Calipari, with 47 players selected in the NBA Draft in the 14-plus seasons of the Calipari era.
- Notable achievements include 35 first-round picks, three No. 1 overall selections (Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, and John Wall), and 23 lottery selections.
- In the 2023-24 NBA opening-day rosters, 26 players from Kentucky were represented, the highest among all schools.
NBA Achievements of Calipari’s Players:
- Calipari-coached players have garnered remarkable NBA achievements, including 33 All-Star selections since 2010.
- Derrick Rose (from Memphis) secured the league MVP title in 2011.
- Nine players coached by Calipari have been named All-NBA, three received NBA Rookie of the Year honors, and Julius Randle was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2021.
- Tyler Herro won NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2022, and 15 players from Calipari’s first 12 teams at Kentucky have made the NBA All-Rookie teams.
Coaching Legacy:
- Among all active collegiate coaches, Calipari stands out with nine total players and 33 total All-Star selections, surpassing his counterparts in these categories.