Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wins CP Male Athlete of the Year again

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself as one of the premier athletes in the world of sports today. His extraordinary achievements and performance on the court have not only secured him accolades but have also ignited conversations about his legacy in basketball. Let's delve into the remarkable journey of this Canadian basketball star and explore the numerous facets of his career that have led to his recognition as the Canadian Press's Male Athlete of the Year.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable year

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, often referred to as SGA, has had a year that few athletes can rival. His contributions on the court have been nothing short of spectacular, culminating in his recent honor from The Canadian Press as Male Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive time.

After leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship victory, Gilgeous-Alexander's accolades include:

• NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP)
• NBA Finals MVP
• NBA Scoring Champion

This impressive list of achievements solidifies his status as a key player in the league and speaks volumes about his talent and hard work.

The voting process for the athlete of the year

Gilgeous-Alexander received overwhelming support from the voting panel, earning 89.3% of the votes cast. This highlights not only his stellar performance but also the respect he commands within the sports community. His nearest competitor was Toronto Blue Jays player Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who played an essential role for his team but fell short in comparison to Gilgeous-Alexander's achievements this year.

Other notable athletes who received votes include:

• Felix Auger-Aliassime (Tennis)
• Evan Dunfee (Race Walking)

This year's voting results underscored the diversity of talent in Canadian sports, yet it was clear that Gilgeous-Alexander's accomplishments stood out significantly.

A historic athlete in Canadian basketball

By clinching this award for the second time, Gilgeous-Alexander joins an elite group of Canadian athletes. Only 17 athletes have won the Male Athlete of the Year award twice, and he shares this honor with legends like:

• Bobby Hull
• Phil Esposito
• Mario Lemieux
• Milos Raonic

Additionally, he is only the second Canadian to win the NBA MVP award, following in the footsteps of Hall of Famer Steve Nash, who achieved this honor three times. This places Gilgeous-Alexander in a rarefied air within Canadian sports history.

Impressive statistics and performance

Gilgeous-Alexander's performance on the court has been nothing short of phenomenal. In the 2024-25 NBA season, he averaged:

• 32.7 points per game
• 6.4 assists per game
• 5 rebounds per game
• 1.7 steals per game
• 1 block per game

The Oklahoma City Thunder thrived under his leadership, finishing the regular season with the best record in the Western Conference. Their playoff journey was equally impressive, as they defeated strong teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Denver Nuggets en route to the NBA Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and character

Beyond his statistics, Gilgeous-Alexander's influence on and off the court has garnered immense admiration. His commitment to his team is evident, as noted by peers and coaches alike. Brandon Ingram, a forward for the Raptors, emphasized his unique ability to manipulate defenses, stating:

“He puts pressure on the defense every time he comes down the floor. He has a lot of gravity.”

Furthermore, Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic commended him for his character, explaining his dedication to fans:

“He spends anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes to sign all of the autographs that are asked of him.”

Shai's ongoing journey

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, Gilgeous-Alexander is once again showcasing his incredible skills. Currently, he maintains an impressive average of:

• 32.1 points per game
• 6.5 assists per game
• 4.9 rebounds per game

His consistent performance has led the Thunder to a remarkable 26-5 record. Observers note that he is not just maintaining his elite status but is improving year after year. Jamie Nye, a commentator from Rawlco Radio, attributed this improvement to Gilgeous-Alexander's hard work and dedication.

Community impact and personal growth

The essence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander transcends basketball. His humility and dedication to giving back to the community are evident in his actions, making him a role model. Rowan Barrett, general manager of Canada's men’s national basketball team, commented on his character:

“He really does understand he’s in a very, very special place and he’s loved by many.”

Gilgeous-Alexander's journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of basketball serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. His story emphasizes the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the impact of a strong support system.

Contract and future prospects

Recently, Gilgeous-Alexander secured a significant contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, valued at $285 million over four years. This illustrates both his worth to the franchise and the trust that the organization has in his abilities to lead the team into the future.

With his current trajectory, both on and off the court, the expectations for Gilgeous-Alexander are sky-high. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what he will accomplish next, as he continues to redefine what it means to be a superstar athlete in the NBA.