Shai Gilgeous-Alexander NBA journey began long before he helped the Oklahoma City Thunder secure an NBA championship with a hard-fought 4-3 series victory over the Indiana Pacers. Drafted in 2018 by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander’s path was shaped by multiple moves, including a key 2019 trade from the Clippers to the Thunder for Paul George.
His trajectory defied early expectations set during his high school years, as a recent MaxPreps video highlighted several players ranked above him in the Class of 2017, sparking debates among hoops fans about the true value of such rankings.
Fans Question the Reliability of High School Rankings
The video posted by MaxPreps on Instagram showed 19 players ranked higher than Gilgeous-Alexander during their high school class, leading to an active discussion in the comments. Fans widely expressed skepticism about how meaningful those rankings are when measuring long-term success in professional basketball.
“High school rankings mean nothing,” a fan commented.
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Another fan agreed, “Which is the reason these ranks mean absolutely NOTHING but AAU agenda.”
—Fan
“I mean everybody ahead of Shai still in the league that’s a flex for that recruiting class!!!!” added a fan.
—Fan
“i mean all them dudes was tough too and High school rankings don’t always tell the full story.. some peak early, some grow late. Shai just kept grindin’. That class had hella talent, and they all made noise in their own way. ain’t no shame in being ranked high back then or being ranked behind these players if u look at dat now.”
—Fan
Other fans acknowledged the variation in player development as the key factor in career success, rather than early evaluations.
“No he wasn’t underrated they was just better in high school,” commented a fan.
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A fan added, “Then from there its all about who can develop their game.”
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This fan commended Michael Porter Jr., ”Pre back injury MPJ was a different beast.”
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Another fan commented, “The definition of player development.”
—Fan
Tracing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Early Basketball Years
Born in Toronto, Canada, Gilgeous-Alexander’s initial basketball opportunities were limited; as a ninth grader, he was not selected for the St. Thomas More junior team but played for their midget squad, earning MVP honors while leading the team to a city championship.
Before attending Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he played for Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. During his senior year at Hamilton Heights, Gilgeous-Alexander stood out nationally, ranking 33rd overall and second among point guards, while leading the state of Tennessee in his position according to 247Sports rankings.
His senior season stats included averages of 18.4 points, 4.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game across 32 contests, contributing to the Hawks’ 31-7 record.
The Importance of Growth Beyond Rankings
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s journey underscores how early rankings do not always predict future success in basketball. His steady improvement and adaptability have demonstrated the critical role of player development beyond initial evaluations. As seen in the passionate fan discussions, this narrative challenges the perception that early rankings define a player’s destiny, reinforcing that perseverance and continual progress matter most.
Looking ahead, Gilgeous-Alexander’s championship accomplishment with the Thunder serves as a testament to his growth and potential impact on the league’s future, inspiring younger players who may not shine immediately in their high school years but can thrive through hard work and dedication.