19 and Counting… Kentucky Wildcats Keep Stacking NBA Rings as SGA and Wallace Win It All
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — The University of Kentucky’s pipeline to NBA greatness just added two more championship names to its storied legacy. With the Oklahoma City Thunder’s thrilling victory over the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace became the 18th and 19th former Kentucky Wildcats to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
For Big Blue Nation, it’s not just a win for Oklahoma City — it’s yet another proud chapter in the Wildcats’ long-running tradition of producing champions at basketball’s highest level.
🏀 From Lexington to the NBA’s Biggest Stage
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, once a late-blooming freshman who didn’t crack Kentucky’s starting five until midseason, now stands atop the basketball world as the NBA Finals MVP, League MVP, and Scoring Champion. His meteoric rise from overlooked prospect to franchise cornerstone has captivated fans and cemented his status among the NBA’s elite.
Meanwhile, rookie Cason Wallace, known for his tenacious defense and mature game beyond his years, played a key supporting role in the Thunder’s championship run, showing poise and impact far beyond his age.
Together, the duo delivered a major win for the Thunder — and for the Kentucky basketball legacy.
📚 A Legacy of NBA Champions
The Wildcats’ reputation as a launchpad for NBA success is no secret. With Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace’s latest triumph, Kentucky now boasts 19 former players who have won an NBA championship, further solidifying its claim as the premier program for developing pro-level talent.
The illustrious list includes:
Anthony Davis (Lakers, 2020)
Rajon Rondo (Celtics, 2008; Lakers, 2020)
Jamal Murray (Nuggets, 2023)
Devin Booker (pending… but fans say his time is coming)
And now, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace.
“It’s amazing to be part of that tradition,” Gilgeous-Alexander said during post-game celebrations.
“We always say, ‘Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.’ You feel that brotherhood everywhere — even here in OKC.”
🔥 The Kentucky-OKC Connection
The Thunder’s championship run had a distinct Kentucky flavor beyond just the players. Head Coach Mark Daigneault, while not a Kentucky alum, has praised the Wildcat DNA his players bring — discipline, work ethic, and an expectation to win.
With Gilgeous-Alexander blossoming into a global superstar and Wallace showing the makings of an elite two-way player, Oklahoma City’s future — and Kentucky’s NBA influence — looks brighter than ever.
📣 Big Blue Nation Reacts
Social media lit up as Wildcats fans from across the country celebrated:
“Banners at Rupp, rings in the league. Kentucky BUILT for this,” tweeted one fan.
“SGA and Wallace making us proud. Calipari’s factory keeps rolling,” posted another.
John Calipari, the longtime Kentucky head coach, also took to Twitter:
“Proud of my guys. Shai, Cason — championship mindset. That’s what Kentucky Basketball is all about. #BBN”
🔮 The Legacy Keeps Growing
With 19 NBA champions and counting, Kentucky’s grip on college-to-pro success shows no signs of loosening. As more Wildcats enter the draft each year and carve out their pro paths, it’s clear the blue blood program remains one of basketball’s greatest incubators of talent — and titles.
For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, and Big Blue Nation, this isn’t just a victory.
It’s a legacy extended. A statement made.
And you can bet — number 20 isn’t far behind.
