Former UK Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Secures NBA All-Star Starter Position

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.

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