𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬-𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫—𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐬!

In a moment of triumph that bridges the storied tradition of Kentucky basketball with the bright lights of the NBA, former Wildcats Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace have officially become NBA champions. The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the title in dramatic fashion, completing their championship run and crowning a new era of dominance—led in part by two of John Calipari’s finest products.

For Kentucky fans, this victory is more than just an NBA title—it’s a reaffirmation of the program’s long-standing reputation as a pipeline to professional greatness. From Lexington to Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace’s rise has been a masterclass in development, resilience, and elite-level performance.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a 2017-18 Kentucky standout, has blossomed into one of the league’s most complete guards. A two-time All-NBA selection and MVP finalist, SGA led the Thunder through a grueling postseason with poise and brilliance, averaging over 28 points per game while delivering in the clutch time and time again. His steady leadership and scoring prowess were key to OKC’s championship campaign—and he now has the ring to prove it.

Rookie sensation Cason Wallace, who played for Kentucky during the 2022-23 season, made his presence felt in critical moments throughout the playoffs. Known for his suffocating defense, high IQ, and fearlessness, Wallace quickly earned the trust of coaches and veterans alike. His ability to thrive on basketball’s biggest stage, just one year removed from college, speaks volumes about both his potential and the preparation he received in Lexington.

Social media exploded with praise as Kentucky alumni, fans, and NBA stars celebrated the Wildcats-turned-champions. “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” read a tweet from the official Kentucky Basketball account, while Calipari himself called it a “proud moment for the program, the state, and the Big Blue Nation.”

With this championship, Gilgeous-Alexander and Wallace add their names to a growing list of Kentucky players who’ve reached the NBA’s mountaintop, joining the likes of Anthony Davis, Rajon Rondo, and Bam Adebayo. It’s yet another chapter in the legacy of a program built on excellence—and proof that the Kentucky to NBA pipeline remains as strong as ever.

Big Blue Nation is celebrating tonight—and with good reason. The crown fits.