The NBA MVP trophy now sits in Oklahoma City, but its roots trace back to Lexington. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic 2025 MVP win has Kentucky fans revisiting his lone Wildcat season with fresh eyes and newfound appreciation for greatness.
From bench player to team leader in one remarkable season, SGA’s Kentucky journey mirrors his professional growth. What unfolded that season proved to be just the beginning of basketball history.
The MVP Foundation: Statistical Excellence and Clutch Gene
The numbers tell only part of SGA’s Kentucky story, though they’re impressive enough. He averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds while leading the Wildcats in assists, steals, free-throw percentage and three-point percentage during his 2017-18 campaign.
His postseason elevation separated him from typical freshman contributors. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 20.7 points, 6.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds in the SEC and NCAA tournaments, showcasing the clutch gene that later defined his NBA career.
The defining moment came during the SEC Tournament championship game against Tennessee. SGA erupted for 29 points to lead Kentucky to the title while earning tournament MVP honors. His 21.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists throughout that tournament run announced his arrival as Kentucky’s go-to performer.
Career-defining performances punctuated his season. A 30-point overtime masterpiece against Vanderbilt and 27 points with six rebounds and six assists in the NCAA Tournament victory over Buffalo demonstrated his ability to rise when stakes peaked highest.
From Overlooked Recruit to Program Legend
SGA’s transformation began with relentless work ethic that impressed coaches and teammates alike. Coach John Calipari praised his dedication saying “He [became] that guy because of how he works, how he performs, how he finishes games. Players are now looking to him.”
His selfless approach defined his Kentucky tenure. “I’m really just willing to do whatever the team needs me to do to win” Gilgeous-Alexander said, embodying the mindset that would carry him to professional greatness.
The sixth-highest ranked recruit in his class quickly evolved into Kentucky’s most indispensable player. Starting 24 of 37 games, he became a full-time starter midway through the season and consistently delivered in crucial moments.
His rapid development extended beyond basketball. Coaches credited him for setting standards in practice, classroom and weight room. His mother even contacted staff to ensure he remained grounded during his rise, reflecting the family foundation supporting his success.
Recognition followed performance as SGA earned All-SEC Second Team and All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He scored double figures in 21 of his final 26 games, including the season’s final 10 contests, demonstrating remarkable consistency and reliability.
The legacy question now has a definitive answer. Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Kentucky player ever to win NBA MVP, surpassing celebrated alumni like Anthony Davis, John Wall and Devin Booker in professional accomplishments.
His rise from somewhat overlooked recruit to college star to NBA MVP represents one of basketball’s most remarkable development stories.
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While others may have dominated college more thoroughly, SGA’s growth trajectory and postseason heroics made his single Kentucky year among the most impactful in recent program memory.
His MVP achievement validates what Wildcat fans witnessed during that magical 2017-18 season, the emergence of a future superstar who would carry Kentucky’s legacy to unprecedented heights in professional basketball.
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