Shai Gilgeous-Alexander family tree: Meet Thunder MVP’s wife, Olympian mom, NBA cousin and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a superstar in every sense of the word.
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The two-time MVP’s ascent began in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, before he came to the United States to continue the journey. Gilgeous-Alexander’s family has been nearby every step of the way.
As Gilgeous-Alexander’s star grows, so, too, does the spotlight around him, bringing more attention to his family ties. And while Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the more reserved superstars in sports, he doesn’t shy away from family time in the public eye.
From his parents to his wife, siblings, and cousin, athleticism runs deep in Gilgeous-Alexander’s family tree. Get to know more about Gilgeous-Alexander’s self-described motivation.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander parents
Gilgeous-Alexander’s mother, Charmaine Gilgeous, can be credited with providing the MVP with much of his athletic prowess. Charmaine Gilgeous was born in 1971 and rose to prominence in Ontario, Canada, as a sprinter in the 100-meter and 200-meter events.
Gilgeous became a five-time All-American at the University of Alabama and represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. She competed in the women’s 400 meters but finished fifth in the opening heats and did not advance.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s father is Vaughan Alexander, a prominent athlete in his own right. Alexander starred on the hardwood at Georges Vanier Secondary School in Toronto, winning a North York League championship as a senior.
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Alexander now runs an organization called No Flukes (Never Opting For Less Unified Knowledge Equals Success) and is very present at Thunder games, sharing a moment with his son after his Western Conference Finals win.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wife
Gilgeous-Alexander’s wife is Hailey Summers, another former athlete.
Like Gilgeous-Alexander, Summers hails from Hamilton, Ontario, and the two are high school sweethearts. Summers played soccer collegiately at the University of Albany, appearing in 71 games over five seasons with the Great Danes.
The two wed on Feb. 14, 2024, and welcomed their son, Ares, on April 25, 2024. When receiving his MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander was brought to tears when he thanked Summers.
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“Hailey Summers, thank you for everything you are for me, for our son Ares. You were the first person to show me what love really meant, what sacrifice really meant,” an emotional Gilgeous-Alexander said from the lectern.
“I wouldn’t be the man I am, I wouldn’t be the player I am, I wouldn’t be the father I am without you, so thank you for that.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brother
Gilgeous-Alexander has a younger brother, Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander.
The brothers’ resemblance is uncanny, and Thomasi has enjoyed a basketball career of his own, playing at Division I Evansville as a freshman and Santa Monica Junior College as a sophomore before committing to Toronto Metropolitan University in 2024.
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Thomasi has also begun a foray into the fashion world, and is often near his brother for events and photoshoots, especially those related to his partnership with Converse Basketball.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cousin
Nickeil Alexander Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Gilgeous-Alexander’s first cousin is Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Alexander-Walker’s mother, Nicole, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s father, Vaughan, are siblings. Gilgeous-Alexander and Alexander-Walker were born less than two months apart in Toronto.
Vaughan stepped in as a father figure for his nephew, whose father was absent.
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“He gave me life lessons about what being a man was like and what men do in certain situations,” Alexander-Walker told Andscape.
“I didn’t really understand why he was so hard on me, especially because at the time I knew he was my uncle and I was still growing through a lot of the anger issues that you have when you are younger without a dad there. And I didn’t understand the lessons quite like I do now when I can look back and process it all.”
Because of their upbringing and proximity in age, Alexander-Walker and Gilgeous-Alexander were essentially raised as brothers.
