Shai Gilgeous-Alexander named SEC Freshman of the Week

In what seems like a no-brainer, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Monday. This is his first time winning the award despite having several standout performances in the last three weeks.

In the last six games, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game. On the season, he is shooting 50.3% from the field, 47.6% from being the three point line, and 82.4% from the free throw line.

While one of the more “under the radar” recruits that have come to Kentucky under John Calipari, SGA has emerged as arguably the best player on this young team. He is the best on-ball defender on the perimeter, he has been getting to the basket seemingly at will, and he has been a leader for the group on both ends of the floor.

The Kentucky Wildcats played both games this week without starting point guard Quade Green, who has been out with a back injury. With Green out of the picture, SGA has handled the point guard responsibilities for 39+ minutes in each game, leading the Cat to conference wins against Texas A&M and at Vanderbilt. During that time, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 19 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting an astounding 6.19% from the floor.

It will be interesting to see how Calipari utilized SGA once Green returns from his injury. Would he really put SGA back on the bench and start Green? Who will get the majority of the minutes? Will he look for more opportunities to play the two of them together?

This award is likely one of several that SGA will earn throughout the season. We will see if he continues his excellent play when the Wildcats take the court in Columbia, SC on Tuesday against the South Carolina Gamecocks.