Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a first-round talent in 2018?

Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a first-round talent in the 2018 NBA Draft?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has put together a nice season thus far for the Kentucky Wildcats. The 6’6” combo-guard is averaging 12.4 points 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. Gilgeous-Alexander is not widely regarded as a typical one-and-done player, but his play as of late has grabbed the attention of NBA scouts. Could SGA leave the Cats after one year?

Big Blue Nation has seen this story before. A talented, yet unheralded kid comes to Kentucky, plays above expectations and finds his way onto draft boards and mock draft discussions.

Looking back

Devin Booker was phenomenal player for UK during the 2014-15 season. But, if you’ll remember, Booker didn’t start a single game for the Kentucky basketball team that season. Booker averaged 10 points per game, left after his freshman season and was drafted No. 13 overall by the Phoenix Suns. Looking back now, you could argue that Booker should’ve been taken in the top 3.

So while we as fans don’t see Gilgeous-Alexander as the typical one-and-done player, his game as of late has people talking.  NBADraft.net has SGA going No. 11 to the Utah Jazz. CBSSports.com has the Cavs selecting Gilgeous-Alexander with the 27th pick. Other sources like si.com don’t even have him going in the first round.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Cats in scoring against Vanderbilt with 22. SGA is the unquestioned leader his teammates look to when they need a basket. Gilgeous-Alexander has a very calming presence when he’s on the floor. His ability to blow by defenders and get to the rack might be the biggest weapon in his arsenal.

Looking forward

If SGA continues to improve, asserts himself as a top performer in March and receives a lot of first round grades by scouts, I wouldn’t fault him for putting his name into the NBA Draft. In fact, with the current system that allows players the opportunity to get feedback and still return to school, I’d encourage him to do it.

Personally, I’d love to see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander return for his sophomore season. We’ve seen what John Calipari is able to do when it comes to developing NBA-ready point guards. I think Big Blue Nation will get to enjoy SGA leading the Wildcats, not only for the remainder of this season, but next season as well. Only time will tell.