Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star guard from Oklahoma City, has received praise from people throughout the basketball world this summer. It appears that nearly every day, a new individual is expressing their admiration for Shai.
Both Luka Doncic and the Team Serbia head coach have stated that the Thunder star is one of the top players in the world. Now, even a Native legend is showing appreciation for his contributions to Team Canada. This praise comes ahead of their clash with Team USA in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Steve Nash hails Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Steve Nash, an NBA Coach and former Player, widely regarded as the greatest Canadian basketball player ever, sees Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as working hard to reach his level. Nash made it clear that he’s a fan of SGA’s game when he tweeted in March that he believes Shai has the potential to become the greatest Canadian hoops player ever.
“I mean, he’s got it, right. He has the game, the feel, the understanding of his responsibility in the moment. It’s just a beautiful thing when you have a player like that in your arsenal.” Nash said.
After Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive performance in FIBA, the former Phoenix Suns star expressed his admiration once again. Despite Canada’s loss to Serbia in the semifinals, SGA’s outstanding performances positioned his team for a spot in the Olympics next summer.
Nash further commented, “He’s one of my favorite players and keeps getting better. It’s going to be fun to watch him play for the rest of his career and continue to represent Canada as long as possible.”
After an outstanding NBA season, Gilgeous-Alexander will hope to win the NBA MVP, an award Nash claimed in 2005 and 2006. ‘SGA’ became an All-Star and was part of the All-NBA First Team last season, guiding the Thunder back to the playoffs.
Canada vs USA at FIBA World Cup match overview
After both the United States and Canada were eliminated in the FIBA World Cup semifinals on Friday, they will now compete for third place on Sunday morning. Fortunately for Canada, they have a player like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
In the World Cup, the Canadian basketball youngster has continued to perform well, averaging 23.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting an impressive 54.3 percent from the field.
We are indeed in for a showdown between the All-Star guard and Team USA’s Anthony Edwards, both of whom are among the NBA’s brightest young stars. Besides the offensive firepower that Gilgeous-Alexander brings to the table, Canada also boasts strong defensive players who could pose challenges for the USA.
Dillon Brooks and Luguentz Dort will be eager to try and lock down the USA’s backcourt and wings. Both Team Canada and Team USA will have to keep their game at a high level to win the Bronze medal available for grabs at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
