Lexington, Kentucky – The collective roar from Big Blue Nation echoed across the Bluegrass State, and indeed, around the world, as two of its beloved sons, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace, brought NBA championship joy back to the University of Kentucky on a truly historic night. With the Oklahoma City Thunder clinching the 2025 NBA title, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a grueling seven-game NBA Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace etched their names into the storied annals of Kentucky basketball lore, becoming the 17th and 18th former Wildcats to hoist the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.
The triumph was a culmination of a remarkable season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team built on youth, athleticism, and the undeniable brilliance of its undisputed superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For Big Blue Nation, seeing their former point guard reach the pinnacle of professional basketball was a moment of immense pride and validation. Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey from a promising, yet understated, freshman in Lexington (2017-18) to the league’s most electrifying guard has been a testament to his relentless work ethic and continuous improvement.
His 2024-25 season was nothing short of legendary. Gilgeous-Alexander not only led the NBA in scoring but also secured the prestigious NBA regular-season MVP award, becoming the first Kentucky product ever to achieve that feat. He then capped off this historic individual campaign by being named the NBA Finals MVP, a fitting recognition for his dominant performance throughout the championship series, where he averaged an astounding 30.3 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game against the Pacers. In the decisive Game 7, he delivered a masterpiece, posting 29 points and 12 assists, reminding everyone why he is now considered one of the very best players in the world. He joins an elite fraternity of only 11 players in NBA history to win both regular season MVP and Finals MVP in the same year, a list that includes legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal.
For the Kentucky faithful, Gilgeous-Alexander embodies the “unshakeable confidence” that John Calipari often preaches. His calm demeanor, exquisite footwork, and uncanny ability to get to his spots on the floor have made him virtually unguardable. His steady hand guided a young Thunder team through the rigors of the Western Conference playoffs, demonstrating a maturity and leadership well beyond his years. His success is a shining example of Kentucky’s ability to develop professional-ready talent, even if it sometimes takes a few years in the NBA for that talent to fully blossom.
Alongside SGA, rookie sensation Cason Wallace also played a pivotal role in the Thunder’s championship run. Wallace, who spent his lone collegiate season with the Wildcats in 2022-23, quickly established himself as a vital piece of Oklahoma City’s rotation. Known for his tenacious defense, high basketball IQ, and timely shooting, Wallace provided crucial minutes off the bench throughout the playoffs. In the decisive Game 7, he contributed 10 points, three steals, and a pair of rebounds, showcasing his poise and impact on the biggest stage.
Wallace’s journey to an NBA title in his rookie season is remarkable. As an All-SEC Freshman Team selection at Kentucky, he demonstrated the defensive intensity and playmaking ability that made him a lottery pick. His seamless transition to the professional game, contributing to a championship team in his first year, speaks volumes about his readiness and the foundational skills he honed under Coach Calipari’s tutelage. For Big Blue Nation, seeing a recent Wildcat make such an immediate and impactful contribution to an NBA championship team is a source of immense pride, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a launchpad for future NBA stars.
The joy radiating from Lexington isn’t just about individual accolades; it’s about the continued legacy of the Kentucky men’s basketball program. With Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace’s rings, the total number of NBA championships won by former Wildcats now stands at an astonishing 26. This adds to a long and distinguished list of Kentucky alumni who have reached the pinnacle of professional basketball, including legends like Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo, Jamal Murray, and Tayshaun Prince. The program’s consistent output of NBA talent is unmatched, and every championship won by a former Wildcat strengthens the bond between the university and its professional basketball lineage.
On social media, the University of Kentucky’s athletic department and numerous fan accounts were quick to celebrate the achievement, sharing photos and videos of Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace hoisting the trophy. The sentiment was clear: this was a win for Oklahoma City, but it was also a win for Big Blue Nation. It fueled discussions about Kentucky’s “NBA pipeline” and solidified the belief that attending UK is a direct path to professional success and, potentially, championship glory.
This historic night provided a powerful recruiting tool for the Kentucky program, a vivid demonstration to aspiring young basketball players worldwide that Lexington is where champions are made. The narrative of “Kentucky to the NBA Finals MVP” or “Kentucky to an NBA Champion in his rookie year” is invaluable. It’s a tangible representation of the program’s promise to develop players for the next level, offering both immediate opportunities and the foundation for sustained professional careers.
For fans, the shared experience of watching these two former Wildcats achieve their dreams reinforces the deep emotional connection they have with the program. It transcends wins and losses on the collegiate court; it’s about watching young men grow, develop, and ultimately achieve the highest honors in their chosen profession. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace, through their grit, skill, and championship success, have not only cemented their own legacies but have also brought immense joy and pride to Big Blue Nation, proving once again that the road to NBA glory often runs through Lexington, Kentucky. This was a night of unbridled celebration, a testament to talent, perseverance, and the enduring power of the Kentucky basketball family.
