Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nickeil Alexander-Walker also becoming stars Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker are both becoming stars in the NBA. Through effort, deep family ties and a shared, almost pathological, competitiveness, they’ve become winners. The cousins began playing basketball around the age of five under the tutelage of Vaughn Alexander. Fast forward to today, and they’ve developed into some of the most impactful players in the league, playing big roles on their respective teams.
As a father and as a coach, Vaughn Alexander introduced Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker to the game of basketball playing with a Fisher Price hoop. This formative experience allowed them to hone the art and science of public engagement. Most other children their age had only begun to test these skills. By age ten, they were already shooting with both hands and developing their footwork moves.
As they started to get older, Vaughn Alexander knew they needed to get on other AAU circuits and into different high school programs. He looked for places where they could be protected, places that would foster their talents and help them grow as athletes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a powerful response to describe what he learned from his uncle. One thing we were never permitted to do was bend—we had no choice but to hold our heads high in pride of what we are.
Today, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a two-time All-NBA selection and three-time All-Star, and has established himself as the face of the franchise with the Oklahoma City Thunder. His incredible consistency this season made him the only choice as the Most Valuable Player. Nickeil Alexander-Walker #6 of the Minnesota Timberwolves has become an important reserve. Earlier this offseason, he re-signed with the team on a two-year, $9 million deal.
The cousins’ close relationship has played an important role in their success. The relationship that they have together, that Shai calls Nickeil his second brother, that says everything. They push each other on a daily basis to improve each other’s game. Occasionally, Vaughn goes so far as to turn them against each other to spark their competitive juices. Vaughn’s tough love approach was not without controversy and sometimes got her into hot water with family members.
Nicole Walker, Nickeil’s mom, reflected on Vaughn’s hard-nosed style. “I think he can be a little rough on Nickeil when he gets down on them,” she said. For JS, at that moment, Nickeil was actually better than Shai on paper. At the time, I didn’t think it merited dispute. At the same time, he was kicking him up the backside, saying to him, “You can’t stand still!”
With both players starting organized basketball at around ages five or six, those early habits provided the foundation for their later prosperity. Shai had signed with Kentucky to play college ball after high school, and Nickeil chose Virginia Tech. Their collective and individual collegiate experiences helped to hone their skills and improve their basketball IQ. Self-discipline is paramount, and Nickeil credits Vaughn for implanting that acumen in him early on.
“Every time the TV’s on, if there’s an NBA game on, I had to watch it. [Vaughn] would say, ‘You can’t love basketball and not watch it. You have to be a student of the game,’” Nickeil recalled.
That commitment has been handsomely rewarded so far this year. Gilgeous-Alexander and the current iteration of the Thunder are must watch basketball right now! They lead their best-of-seven series 3-1 and are one game from advancing to the NBA Finals.
Even in their fierce competitiveness, both players know what the positives to their relationship are. It’s hard, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t,” Shai admitted about the prospect of facing each other in the playoffs. And though we know how far away, yet how close, we are.”
Nickeil echoed similar sentiments about their aspirations: “He gets MVP. I get a ticket to the Finals. To me, that works. If I can get a [championship] ring this year and he can get MVP, we’re all happy.”
Internationally, their journey has been as much about personal growth as athletic prowess. Nickeil reflected on how Vaughn shaped his mindset: “No matter what anybody can say, nobody would be – and not in an arrogant way – better than us.” He shifted into an affirmation of self-acceptance and internal validation that Vaughn had once taught him.
Vaughn’s impact was deeper than the training. He imparted ideas of grit and self-respect to both cousins. Nickeil spoke about how much these lessons in life made them ready for adversity, projecting not only onto the court but into real life as well.
“God is real. And it’s a great feeling, honestly,” he stated about his journey so far. “Sometimes you do have to pinch yourself…because when you’re on this path of trying to be great… you can miss the journey that you’re in.”
Shai gives credit for his success to his family’s steadfast support. “My family has a way of continuing to ground me all the time,” he said. “They never allowed the confusion surrounding me to spoil my head or ego. And never compliment me for winning.” He values their honesty and constancy, even in the face of his success.
Both players have gone on to have Hall of Fame careers in the NBA, highlighted by their amazing individual achievements. Their entrenched family rivalry history strengthens their hunger to win and be the best. In every contest they experience, they represent a lifetime of hard work. It shows just how much support they had from Vaughn Alexander and their families.
Leave a Reply