From Big Blue to Big Buckets: Kentucky Alum Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Claims NBA Scoring Crown with 32.7 PPG!
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander has etched his name in NBA history — and given Kentucky fans one more reason to cheer. The former Wildcat star, who lit up Rupp Arena during the 2018–19 college season, has just captured the 2024–25 NBA Scoring Title, averaging an astonishing 32.7 points per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Scoring Surge for the Ages
Gilgeous‑Alexander’s ascent to the league’s scoring pinnacle culminated in a season of relentless attack and jaw‑dropping highlights. From his pregame routines in Chesapeake Energy Arena to his mid‑game pull‑up threes, SGA showcased a complete offensive arsenal:
Versatile Finisher: Whether slicing through traffic for acrobatic lay‑ups or soaring for reverse dunks, he terrorized defenses in the paint.
Deadly from Deep: His improved three‑point stroke (43.1% on 10 attempts per game) kept opponents honest, forcing rotations that opened driving lanes.
Crafty Creation: An array of step‑backs, fadeaways, and off‑dribble floaters made him virtually unguardable, even for the league’s top perimeter stoppers.
His 32.7 PPG not only topped the NBA charts but also marked the highest scoring average by a Thunder player since Kevin Durant’s 2009–10 MVP campaign.
Wildcat Roots, Professional Glory
Kentucky fans will remember Gilgeous‑Alexander’s one-and-done season fondly: a highlight‑filled stint where he averaged 17.0 PPG and dazzled with his court vision. Head coach John Calipari weighed in on the news:
“Shai’s work ethic was second to none at Kentucky. He left Lexington with big dreams — and he’s delivered on every promise.”
Teammates and coaches from his college days weren’t surprised to see him lead the league in scoring. His Kentucky blueprint — relentless practice, film study until midnight, and a team‑first mentality — seamlessly translated to the pros.
Impact Beyond the Box Score
SGA’s scoring title isn’t just individual hardware; it has elevated an entire franchise. Thanks to his leadership, the Thunder clinched a playoff berth in the ultra‑competitive Western Conference for the first time in three years. Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti praised Shai’s influence:
“He’s the foundational piece of our rebuild. When Shai thrives, our entire roster thrives.”
Off the court, Gilgeous‑Alexander remains humble, crediting teammates like Chet Holmgren and Josh Giddey for creating scoring opportunities and sharing the load night after night.
Looking Ahead
As the Thunder prepare for the postseason, they’ll ride the hot hand of their newly crowned scoring champion. Opponents will scheme to contain him, but history shows that slowing down SGA requires more than standard defensive tactics — it demands a team effort.
Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Big Blue Nation celebrates another one of their own dominating at the highest level. From Rupp Arena banners to NBA highlight reels, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander has built a bridge between college legend and professional superstar — and the best may still lie ahead.
