Inside The Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Holds No. 1 Spot in FIBA Statistical World Rankings

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks atop the statistical leaderboards in FIBA match play following Canada's win over Slovenia.

Nathan Aker

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Per HoopsHype’s Global Rating, Team Canada’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks No. 1 overall throughout the FIBA World Cup. The Oklahoma City guard claims the top spot following another stellar outing on Wednesday, leading Canada to a 100-89 victory over Luka Doncic and Slovenia in the quarterfinal.

For the first time in program history, Canada will reach the semifinal round, largely due to the excellence of Gilgeous-Alexander throughout the tournament. Throughout six contests, the 25-year old has averaged 25 points, five assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.

Canada versus Slovenia was special, though, adding on to an NBA Western Conference rivalry in Dallas and Oklahoma City that’ll be sure to be highlighted plenty next season. The two are continuously being compared, but Gilgeous-Alexander got the best of the Slovenian guard on Wednesday.

Despite dropping 26 points, five assists and two steals, Doncic struggled with internalizing his emotions, causing him to be ejected in 29 minutes of play. As Canada was up 92-77, Doncic’s frustrations bested him as he accounted for his second technical foul.

But following the game, Doncic addressed the skill of Gilgeous-Alexander, stating he’s “one of the best players in the world,” recognizing how he’s continuing to excel in the league and now in FIBA match play.

It seems the Thunder guard is ready to make another huge leap in his game, leading an entirely different team with an entirely different play style and coaching approach is not an easily-feasible feat. Gilgeous-Alexander’s level of talent has slowly and steadily compounded throughout his five years in the NBA, but his confidence has always been prevalent.

Next, Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada will face off against Serbia for an opportunity to play in the tournament championship on Friday, Sep. 8.

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Nathan Aker
NATHAN AKER

Nathan is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public Relations set to graduate in May 2024. He holds experience covering multiple sports, primarily basketball, at the high school and collegiate level. 

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