Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the standout guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has a unique approach to his offseason training that sets him apart from other NBA players. Despite being surrounded by a group of friends and trainers who are not typical of a superstar athlete, Gilgeous-Alexander has found a way to excel on the court.
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, Gilgeous-Alexander needed to add post-up drills to his summer routine. However, his friends and trainers, who go by the name “Sunrise Training,” were not tall enough to provide the challenge he needed. That’s when Stefan Borovac, a 6-8 stranger shooting around in the gym, was recruited to join the group and provide the size and skill required to guard Gilgeous-Alexander in the post.
Borovac quickly became a valuable member of the team, facing off against Gilgeous-Alexander in post-up drills each morning during the offseason. This unique training setup has helped Gilgeous-Alexander develop his skills and prepare for the challenges of NBA competition.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s dedication to his training extends beyond the offseason. He starts his days at 6 a.m. in the gym, working on his game before heading to strength training and returning for more shooting in the afternoon. This commitment to his craft has propelled him to the forefront of the NBA as a scoring leader and MVP candidate.
Throughout his career, Gilgeous-Alexander has focused on compensating for his size with hard work and dedication. From a young age, he understood the importance of outworking his opponents and developing his skills to overcome any physical limitations.
Under the guidance of his former coach, Dwayne Washington, Gilgeous-Alexander learned about acceleration, deceleration, and controlled breathing to enhance his on-court performance. He also worked on building left-hand coordination and mastering different gears of speed to outmaneuver defenders.
Now, as a key player for the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress with his unique playing style. His ability to drive to the basket, hit midrange shots, and create scoring opportunities for his team sets him apart from other guards in the league.
With his unconventional training methods and relentless work ethic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a rising star in the NBA. His dedication to improving his game and pushing himself to new heights has made him a player to watch in the league.
