The Improbable Rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

[Joneslab]

Obviously his crazy length will help him immensely in the NBA.

He's also a guy who is so unusual because he is very cerebral. The cliché you hear a lot is one we've all heard a million times: "he knows how to play the game." I'm not sure outside of Ulis that there's been a player like that at UK in the Cal era. Understands angles, leverage, and what he can get in one-on-one situations as well as anybody you'll see. All that will go a long way in the League, particularly as he gets stronger and bulkier. Imagining him as a 22-year-old with some muscle mass is something I'm sure the NBA guys spend a lot of time doing.

His lack of explosiveness will be an issue but there are starting NBA point guards who don't have that gear. They all aren't Westbrook and Wall; those are outliers even in that league.

[J.Jennings]

I do think SGA will play in the league, it just won't be at the PG spot, you heard it here first....

[Joneslab]

I do think SGA will play in the league, it just won't be at the PG spot, you heard it here first....

He may be a different kind of player in the NBA, but it's definitely true that he isn't a "true" point guard. But I never thought Andrew Harrison was either and he's had a decent career as an NBA point guard. Shai would have pounded Andrew into submission at this same age. Shai is so far ahead of where Andrew was that it's ungodly.

[J.Jennings]

He may be a different kind of player in the NBA, but it's definitely true that he isn't a "true" point guard. But I never thought Andrew Harrison was either and he's had a decent career as an NBA point guard. Shai would have pounded Andrew into submission at this same age. Shai is so far ahead of where Andrew was that it's ungodly.

I could be wrong but would not surprise me to see SGA playing SF a few years down the road once he buffs up and get stronger. If i had to compare SGA to one of our former players, i would compare him to Deandre Liggins. SGA is a better floor general but and Deandre is a tad bit more explosive but overall, the have alot of the same skill sets and very similary in height and what they can do on the defensive end of the ball, don't forget Liggins was a PG in high school..

[Joneslab]

Shai is an infinitely better ballhandler. Shai's one of the best ballhandlers I've seen wear the uniform. Keeps it on a string and is just a rock--which obviously his length helps him with.

Not sure I see the Liggins comparison other than just their wingspan. Liggins worked himself up to a serviceable offensive player, but he was/is more of a situational defensive player.

Shai can be so much more than that IMO. I don't know if he can be a star like a John Wall but he has something special.

[J.Jennings]

SGA may not be as flashy and quick to the rim like other guards here in the past (Wall) but i agree the Will, the way he uses his body and leverages his way into the lane with half spins and craftiness is amazing.

[J.Jennings]

Shai is an infinitely better ballhandler. Shai's one of the best ballhandlers I've seen wear the uniform. Keeps it on a string and is just a rock--which obviously his length helps him with.

Not sure I see the Liggins comparison other than just their wingspan. Liggins worked himself up to a serviceable offensive player, but he was/is more of a situational defensive player.

Shai can be so much more than that IMO. I don't know if he can be a star like a John Wall but he has something special.

And that length and reach just allows him to put the ball up out of a defenders way. Hard to explain but almost like he takes one step from the freethrow line and he's already there, i am impressed..

[J.Jennings]

Shai is an infinitely better ballhandler. Shai's one of the best ballhandlers I've seen wear the uniform. Keeps it on a string and is just a rock--which obviously his length helps him with.

Not sure I see the Liggins comparison other than just their wingspan. Liggins worked himself up to a serviceable offensive player, but he was/is more of a situational defensive player.

Shai can be so much more than that IMO. I don't know if he can be a star like a John Wall but he has something special.

I thought Liggins had flashes of putting the ball on the floor and just getting to the rim and attacking. Still i agree he's not SGA with the ball but he still reminds me of Liggins in many ways...

[Blue Heaven]

Shai's NBA potential was first put on display against Louisville back in December. Go back and watch the highlights. That behind the back to the LEFT hand layup in the lane on Anas Mamoud was a thing of beauty. He is the craftiest player I think I have ever seen wear the Blue and White. Cal hyped up his "old man game" in the off-season. His spin move is DEADLY and he can go either hand so he is extremely difficult to guard. I love the guys who can go either hand. I love Shai.