Milwaukee Bucks: 5 players to watch in 2018 NCAA Tournament
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PG, Kentucky
Every season the Kentecky Wildcats have a top player at the point guard position, even when it seems like they won’t. After major questions were asked in preseason and a midseason struggle saw this team spiraling toward the NIT, the Wildcats righted the ship and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing like an All-American guard.
The first two months of the season saw a more timid Gilgeous-Alexander trying to find his place on a roster stocked with high-level freshman. In the last few months, however, he has traded his timidity for aggression and has been attacking opposing defenses.
For a Milwaukee team that needs creation off-the-dribble for their bench, “SGA” fits the mold perfectly. Draft expert Mike Schmitz watched him play at the SEC tournament last week and made the following observation:
Shai Alexander's footwork around the rim is so impressive. Side steps, goofy foot finishes, one or two-foot floaters. Finishing package is high level. The freshman has been tremendous out here in STL. Big fan of his game.
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) March 11, 2018
More than just a finisher around the rim, Gilgeous-Alexander has the tools to be a solid shooter as well. He is shooting 81.4 percent from the free throw line, which has proven to be a better indicator of long-term shooting ability than 3-point percentage in college — although he is shooting a solid 39.6 percent from deep as well.
Kentucky got a tough draw for the tournament, taking on the upset-minded Davidson Wildcats before a potential matchup with the talented Arizona Wildcats. While his run may be short, he should have plenty of time to show Milwaukee what he has to offer.