Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Unconventional Training Gives Thunder NBA Edge

HAMILTON, Ontario — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has taken an unorthodox approach to his summer training regimen that has propelled him to the forefront of the NBA scoring leaderboard. Spending his offseason in Hamilton, Ontario, the 6-foot-6 player has sought out unique training methods, including working with friends from high school, rather than the typical NBA support staff.

Every morning, Gilgeous-Alexander and his group, dubbed ‘Sunrise Training’, gather at the gym as early as 6 a.m., where they focus on various drills. However, the one-on-one post-up practice often lacked competitive intensity due to the absence of taller players in his training circle.

This summer, that gap was filled when Nate Mitchell, his coach and Team Canada assistant, met 6-foot-8 Stefan Borovac at the gym. Recognizing the need for Gilgeous-Alexander to face a larger opponent in post drills, Mitchell asked Borovac to join them. “Can I grab you for a second?” he inquired of Borovac, who agreed to return the next morning.

“I’d be happy to,” Borovac replied. A few days later, Borovac was invited back consistently, becoming a fixture in Gilgeous-Alexander’s offseason routine. His primary role is to provide the physical challenge Gilgeous-Alexander requires to enhance his post-up game.

As the centerpiece of the 50-11 Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander is not only on track to secure his first scoring title, averaging 32.6 points per game, but he’s also considered the favorite to win the NBA MVP this season. His playing style, characterized by shifts in pace and deceptive movements, makes him a unique presence on the court. “He’s ahead of his time,” shared Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “He intuitively understands the randomness and variability needed in workouts.”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascent has been marked by his commitment to intensive preparation. Since entering eighth grade, he has prioritized early morning workouts, seeking access to basketball courts before school hours. Dwayne Washington, his former coach, recalled Gilgeous-Alexander’s relentless discipline. “He’s more consistent and more disciplined than anyone I’ve ever met,” Washington said. “I can’t recall him ever skipping a session.”

Although the conventional summer training regimen usually involves professional trainers and focused skillsets, Gilgeous-Alexander’s method includes dynamic practices involving friends and varying gameplay scenarios, akin to real NBA competition. “Stef has the hardest job in the world,” Mitchell remarked, highlighting Borovac’s crucial role in the training sessions.

With each summer passing, the team of trainers surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander has expanded, providing him with the necessary competitive edge he needs. Also pivotal to his preparation is the pursuit of knowledge; Gilgeous-Alexander diligently takes notes during workouts, meticulously chronicling drills and strategies he learns.

“Most people wanna go, go, go,” Washington explained. “But not Gilgeous-Alexander.” He added that the guard’s controlled breathing techniques allow him to remain composed even during fast-paced gameplay.

Now, with his game evolving to match his physical stature, Gilgeous-Alexander’s exceptional awareness and skill have culminated in performances that have garnered national attention. Coupled with a background of steady growth since his youth, transitioning from 5-foot-6 at 13 years old to 6-foot-6 now, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

“I always thought I was better than I was,” he admitted, reflecting on the challenges he faced in his earlier years. Thanks to his unique approach to training and relentless dedication, he now stands alongside other greats in the league, taking the NBA by storm.