In his post-game press conference following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shared his thoughts on the significance of playing in Toronto.
Born in Ontario, Canada, and having represented his country in international competitions, Gilgeous-Alexander understands the special feeling of playing in front of a home crowd.
“It’s definitely every Canadian’s dream to play at home,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Every time I see RJ [Barrett], he gets better, and the sky is the limit because of that.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on seeing his fellow Canada basketball teammate RJ Barrett excelling and playing for his hometown team:
“It’s definitely every Canadian’s dream to play at home… every time I see RJ he gets better, sky is the limit because of that.” pic.twitter.com/l8Phf6C9Nb
— Libaan Osman (@libaanstar1) December 6, 2024
Watching fellow Canadian RJ Barrett thrive with the Raptors brings a sense of pride for Gilgeous-Alexander, who grew up watching Raptors games and dreaming of playing in the NBA.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, playing in Toronto is more than just a game; it’s a connection to his roots.
“It’s amazing to play in front of people that are from where I’m from, grew up the way I grew up, seen the same things I’ve seen,” he said. “It’s like a little connection, even if I don’t know them or not. It’s cool. I’m proud to be Canadian.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s success and his journey from Toronto to the NBA serve as an inspiration for young Canadian players. His achievements on the international stage and in the NBA highlight the potential for Canadian athletes to make a significant impact in professional basketball.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel with the Thunder, his connection to Canada remains strong. He looks forward to future opportunities to represent his country and inspire the next generation of Canadian basketball players.
