5 Things we learned about the Kentucky basketball team
By Drew Koch
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best point in the NCAA Tournament
There are some great point guards in this year’s NCAA Tournament. But, with Alabama and Oklahoma no longer a part of the festivities, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is the best point guard remaining in the NCAA Tournament.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over the point guard duties for the Kentucky basketball team midway through the season when Quade Green went down with a back injury. Shai has not looked back since. Gilgeous-Alexander got the start in Kentucky’s win over Texas A&M. He played 39 minutes, scored 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists.
Since taking over the starting point guard duties, SGA has scored in double figures in 17 of the 21 games played. He has averaged a ridiculous 37 minutes per game during that stretch. Just for reference, Collin Sexton averaged 29 minutes per game.
Oklahoma’s Trae Young, who’s a phenomenal talent and likely lottery pick, averaged 5.2 turnovers per game. Shai averaged only 2.6 giveaways. Believe it or not, Gilgeous-Alexander was also more efficient from distance, shooting 41.8% from three-point range, compared to Young’s 36.1%.
Devonte` Graham (Kansas), Trevon Duval (Duke) and Jevon Carter (West Virginia) are all talented point guards, but for my money, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the point guard left in the tournament and it isn’t even close.