Kentucky takes out a full page ad to congratulate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on MVP
On Wednesday, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won his first-ever MVP award after a superstar season, averaging 32.7 points per game while leading his squad to a 68-14 record. Amidst a deep playoff run that could see him win an NBA championship, Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Kentucky Wildcat to win MVP in NBA history. It’s a historic award that Lexington won’t forget.

It’s also an honor Kentucky recognized, as the Wildcats took out a full page ad in The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City’s local newspaper, to congratulate their alumni.

“In June of 2017, you were a kid from Hamilton, Ontario, arriving to your new home in Lexington. You had a mission and a dream,” said the Wildcats in their congratulatory ad. “You brought us an SEC Tournament championship and countless other memories before continuing your life’s dream to compete with the best of the best in the NBA. We couldn’t be prouder of the man, teammate, and player you’ve become. You’ve always been one of one and now you’re not only playing with the best, you are the best. The first Kentucky Wildcat ever to be named NBA MVP. From our Wildcat family and all of Big Blue Nation, congratulations, Shai.”

Gilgeous-Alexander played at Kentucky during the 2017-2018 season, where he averaged 14.4 points per game. He was drafted 11th overall by the Hornets before being traded to the Clippers, where he was later involved in the Paul George trade to Los Angeles. Since, he’s been Oklahoma City’s franchise cornerstone.

Following a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves last night to go up 3-1 in their series, the Thunder are in pole position to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals. He’ll be crucial to Oklahoma City’s success as he seeks his first championship.