WATCH — 5 things about Canadian NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Come along for a road trip for this KN Explains

Every week, CBC Kids News takes a deep dive into a topic that’s been making headlines. Click the video above or below for this week’s KN Explains.

The NBA announced the finalists for most of this year’s post-season awards on Sunday.

A Canadian player is on the list: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a.k.a SGA.

SGA is in the running for MVP (most valuable player) and clutch player of the year.

Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. 

Now, he’s the face of one of the top teams in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

That’s not all that’s giving SGA main character vibes these days: 

• He signed a contract extension with Converse, which makes him the creative director of Converse Basketball and includes a signature sneaker line.
• He’s a two-time NBA all-star.
• He was named The Canadian Press male athlete of the year in 2023.
• He received the Northern Star Award in 2023, which honours Canada’s top athlete.

People aren’t just talking about Gilgeous-Alexander because of basketball, though.

He’s also been making headlines because of his fashion choices, and because of something to do with a guy who describes himself as the “Crypto King.”

Don’t worry, we’ll explain more.

Join Arjun Ram on an SGA road trip, where he visits locations relevant to Gilgeous-Alexander’s life and career.

Side note: Arjun’s also from Hamilton — and turns out he’s an SGA fan. 

But don’t worry, he stuck to the facts when breaking down five interesting things about Gilgeous-Alexander.

Buckle up! Maybe you’ll hear some facts you didn’t expect.

KN Explains: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Instagram/Shai, Pelin Sidki/CBC, Jamie McMahon/CBC/Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School, graphic design by Philip Street/CBC
VIDEO CREDITS: Host, Arjun Ram; Senior Producer, Lisa Fender; Creative Producer, Marielle Torrefranca; Video Producer: Jamie McMahon; Editor, Janna McGinn; Graphic Designer: Philip Street; Copy Editor: Janet Davison; Intern: Allison Sippel