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2018 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

By Jean Racine

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the semifinals of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 10, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the semifinals of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 10, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kentucky Wildcats
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #22 of the Kentucky Wildcats shoots the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the semifinals of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 10, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is an intriguing 6-foot-6 point guard prospect. He worked his way into the Kentucky Wildcats’ lineup and now into the Lottery.

Former Kentucky Wildcats guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the 35th-ranked player and the ninth-ranked point guard in the 2017 ESPN Top 100 recruits ranking. Hardly what anyone thought would become a Lottery pick after one year in school.

But the 6-foot-6, 180-pound athlete proved to be one of the best point guards in college basketball last season. He quickly became an easy choice to make the Lottery with his mixture of size and playmaking.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 appearance averaging a team-high 20.3 points per game in the NCAA Tournament.  He erupted for 29 points against the Buffalo Bulls on 10-for-12 shooting from the field in the second round.

He averaged 14.4 points per game and 5.1 assists per game with a 51.6 percent effective field goal percentage. Gilgeous-Alexander displayed athleticism and shooting ability. All in an oversized package.

So how did Kentucky’s lowest-rated recruit become its best player down the stretch?

Kentucky head coach John Calipari alluded to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s hard work and dedication on Twitter after the freshman declared for the NBA draft in April.

Calipari said Gilgeous-Alexander is an example he will use for young prospects moving forward as someone whose discipline helped him make the most of his physical tools.

That suggests a mentality that goes beyond his play on the court. Which was already very impressive.

With his length and athleticism, he seems to fit a clear model for a certain kind of point guard. One that several teams are sure to fall in love with. And maybe make a reach for.