Kentucky Basketball Spotlight: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kentucky Basketball’s Newest Combo Guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a four star recruit from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is bringing his talents to Lexington to make his mark on Kentucky Basketball. Standing at 6-5, Alexander will be looking to be the next combo guard, presenting problems for opponents. Overshadowed by all the five stars Kentucky is bringing in, people will most likely underappreciate him.
Chosen to Third Team All-USA and to the Derby Festival Classic, Alexander has been outperforming his current ranking. He is the 34th ranked prospect overall, and the second ranked combo guard. Alexander received good offers from Power 5 schools, highlighted by Florida, Kansas, and Kentucky.
What to Watch For
As previously mentioned, Alexander is a 6-5 combo guard, weighing 185 pounds. This is a huge plus for Kentucky basketball, as he can run the point and play off-ball just as effectively. Also, playing for Hamilton Heights in Chattanooga, TN, he averaged 20.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
These stats are truly possessive, showing that he has potential to impact the game in every aspect. He provides a triple-double threat through the use of his length and ability to track down the ball. In addition, he has a sweet shooting stroke, and he shoots it confidently, which is half the battle. Depending on whatever other moves that Kentucky basketball makes, Alexander could be a great piece for insulating the guard position.
With Quade Green coming in and Hamidou Diallo likely starting at shooting guard, he will likely play off of the bench. Alexander has great potential on the defensive end as well, where his length can be effective on the perimeter. Having a solid defensive and offensive piece coming off the bench will be a luxury most teams won’t have.
Finally, the way that Alexander is built reminds me much of the Harrison twins. Many knock the twins for seeming lack of production. I will remind those that they led our team to Final Four and a National Championship Game in their two years here. It’s a tad premature to say that Alexander will be as effective as them, but the potential is there to match or even surpass them.
BBN Welcome Shai to the Family
Shai Alexander is here to win, and we as the fan base are ready as well. Hopefully with him and the supporting cast around him, the Cats can get to number nine. Everybody go follow Shai at the account listed in the tweet and show him some love. Also, check out the mixtape below!