Shai’s Dad Forged NBA Star’s Unshakable Calm

Growing up, NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, weren’t just encouraged to play basketball; they were taught to embody an unshakeable belief in their own abilities. Their father instilled a mindset that rejected fandom, pushing them to respect greatness but never to be mere admirers. This unique upbringing, focused on hard work and unwavering self-confidence, is credited by Alexander-Walker as the foundation for Gilgeous-Alexander’s famously stoic demeanor on the court.

Alexander-Walker, now a key player himself, shared insights into their childhood and how their father’s approach shaped them. He recalled watching playoff games with their dad, who always emphasized that greatness was not just something to observe but something that resided within them. This philosophy meant they were never allowed to be casual fans of any team or player.

“We weren’t allowed to be fans of anyone,” Alexander-Walker explained. “We always had to respect somebody, but we weren’t allowed to be fans of them. Like, they’re great, cool, but alright, watch what I can do.” This competitive spirit, coupled with a relentless work ethic, was central to their development.

Their father’s mantra was simple yet profound: “To be the best, you have to do what no one wants to do.” This meant embracing the grind, the extra hours, and the sacrifices that others shied away from. These lessons, seemingly small at the time, built a powerful foundation for their future basketball careers.

Alexander-Walker remembers living with Gilgeous-Alexander in Tennessee during their high school years. Even then, he noticed Shai’s remarkable emotional control when it came to the game. While Alexander-Walker might get frustrated by poor performance or tough losses, Gilgeous-Alexander maintained a consistent calm, a quiet certainty that his hard work would eventually pay off.

“He was very consistent in his like, ‘Bro, I know I’m going to make it no matter how bad it is right now or how good it is right now,'” Alexander-Walker said. This unwavering belief wasn’t just talk; it was backed by action. Gilgeous-Alexander would meticulously study game film, analyzing players like Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving.

The next day, the lessons learned from watching the greats were immediately put into practice during their workouts. Whether they had a great game or a terrible one, Gilgeous-Alexander would review the footage, identify areas for improvement, and work tirelessly to implement those changes. This cycle of observation, analysis, and execution was a constant.

Alexander-Walker admitted his own struggles with this approach. “For me, I was like frustrated with the game. I used to like get so mad.

I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m putting in all this work. Like, show me something.'” He found it difficult to reconcile his intense effort with immediate results.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander never wavered. His consistent dedication and emotional resilience, even in the face of frustration, became a defining characteristic.

“He just stuck to his work,” Alexander-Walker noted. This steadfastness is what fans now see as his calm, stoic presence and unique aura on the court.

“Like, that’s why I think now to this day people see like calm, the stoic, the aura stuff they talk about,” Alexander-Walker observed. “He’s been that way his entire upbringing of basketball.” Gilgeous-Alexander possessed a deep faith in the process and his own potential, a faith that never faltered.

While setbacks were undoubtedly disappointing, they never derailed his focus. Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional emotional control meant that external results, good or bad, did not dictate his internal state or his commitment to improvement. This deep-seated mental fortitude, cultivated from a young age, continues to define his approach to the game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, are currently performing well this season. Their next game is scheduled for November 10th against the Phoenix Suns.

Source: “We weren’t allowed to be fans of anyone" – Nickeil Alexander-Walker talks about growing up w Shai (YouTube)