5 Surprising Facts About Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Brother Who Is Chasing His Own NBA Dream

The Gilgeous-Alexander name has become synonymous with NBA stardom, thanks to the explosive rise of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While Shai dominates the headlines and MVP conversations, there is a lesser-known but equally determined member of the family quietly forging his own path in professional basketball: his younger brother, Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander. As of December 2025, Thomasi is actively pursuing his own collegiate and pre-draft journey, making significant moves across the US college basketball landscape in his quest to join his older brother in the league.

Thomasi is far more than just "Shai's brother"; he is a talented guard with a unique skill set and a collegiate career that has taken him from the NCAA Division I level to junior college and back, demonstrating the relentless work ethic that runs through the entire Gilgeous-Alexander family. The bond between the two siblings is incredibly close, a relationship that has even inspired one of Shai’s most personal signature shoe designs.

Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander: Complete Player Profile and Family Biography

Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander is the younger brother of NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Born into an athletic family in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Thomasi has been immersed in basketball from a young age, often playing alongside his brother and their NBA cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

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• Full Name: Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander
• Date of Birth: December 28, 2000
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 24
• Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
• Weight: 160 lbs (72 kg)
• Position: Guard / Small Forward
• High School: Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
• Notable College Teams: University of Evansville (NCAA D-I), Santa Monica College (JUCO), Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (JUCO)
• NBA Draft Eligibility Status: Draft Eligible in 2026

The Gilgeous-Alexander Family's Athletic Legacy

The drive for athletic excellence is a multi-generational trait in the Gilgeous-Alexander family. Thomasi and Shai's parents established a high bar for athletic achievement:

• Mother: Charmaine Gilgeous. She is a former Olympic sprinter who competed for Antigua and Barbuda in the 400-meter dash at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics. Her discipline and focus are widely cited as foundational to Shai's success.
• Father: Vaughn Alexander. Vaughn is the father of Shai and Thomasi, providing a strong support system for their basketball careers.
• Cousin: Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Nickeil, who currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is Shai and Thomasi’s first cousin. Their fathers are brothers, and the three grew up together, fostering a bond so close that Shai often refers to Nickeil as a "second brother."

Thomasi's Journey: From Division I to JUCO and the 2026 NBA Draft

Thomasi’s basketball career has been a testament to resilience, featuring a challenging path that many elite players must navigate to find the right fit and development opportunity. His journey is a classic example of a player taking the necessary steps back to ultimately move forward.

He began his collegiate career at the University of Evansville, an NCAA Division I program, where he played briefly during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons.

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Following his time at Evansville, Thomasi entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, eventually moving to the junior college (JUCO) level to hone his skills and gain more playing time. This move proved beneficial for his development.

Key Performance at Santa Monica College

His most statistically significant season came while playing for Santa Monica College (SMC), where he established himself as a versatile guard and a primary playmaker for the Corsairs.

During his time at SMC, Thomasi played in 27 games and posted impressive all-around numbers, demonstrating his potential as a floor general and scorer:

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• Points Per Game (PPG): 7.1
• Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 5.4
• Assists Per Game (APG): 3.5
• Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 38.3%

His ability to facilitate and rebound from the guard position highlights his all-around game, which is often compared to the playmaking style of his older brother. The latest reports indicate Thomasi has continued his journey at the JUCO level, with some sources listing him as a senior at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO), with a professional eye on the future.

The 'Twin' Bond: How Thomasi Inspired Shai's Signature Sneaker

The relationship between Shai and Thomasi is a central theme in the Gilgeous-Alexander family narrative. Shai frequently refers to his younger brother as his "twin" on social media, a testament to their deep connection despite the two-year age gap.

However, the most unique and public display of their bond came when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander launched his first signature shoe with Converse.

The "Masi" Blue Tribute

Shai’s signature sneaker, the Converse All Star BB Shift, featured a distinct, icy blue colorway in one of its early releases. This color was not a random design choice; it was a direct and personal tribute to Thomasi.

Thomasi goes by the nickname "Masi," and the icy blue tone was chosen specifically to represent his younger brother, who is known for his cool demeanor and smooth style of play. This dedication showcases the profound respect and love Shai has for Thomasi, ensuring that a piece of his brother's journey is literally carried with him on the NBA court.

The 2026 NBA Draft: Thomasi's Professional Aspirations

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a perennial All-NBA talent, Thomasi is focused on creating his own legacy. His current status is listed as Draft Eligible in 2026, indicating that he is on a clear path to pursue a professional career, whether through the NBA Draft or another professional league.

The move to the JUCO level, followed by his transfer to another program, is a strategic effort to maximize his exposure and refine his game against high-level competition before making the jump to the professional ranks. For Thomasi, the goal is not just to play basketball, but to play at the highest level, a dream he shares with his brother and cousin.

The journey of Thomasi Gilgeous-Alexander is a compelling narrative of a young athlete striving for greatness while navigating the immense shadow of an NBA superstar sibling. His dedication, combined with the collective athletic DNA of the Gilgeous-Alexander family, makes him one of the most intriguing prospects to watch as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches. He is proving that the Gilgeous-Alexander name is a dynasty in the making, and the league may soon have two brothers with the same last name dominating the hardwood.