During a recent episode of “Jeopardy!,” a category called “Jump Through These Hoops” featured a photo of Gilgeous Alexander. The host even dropped major hints: his nickname “SGA” and his accolades from last season.
The contestants stared blankly. No one knew who he was.Social media had thoughts.“Face of the league,” one user quipped sarcastically.
“It’s not a good thing people don’t know the champions. The best team in the NBA,” one comment read. “Because the fake news sports media.”
“This is just normal on Jeopardy. You have people incredibly knowledgable about the most niche topics in the world, and then completely ignorant about the most basic stuff in sports. Good chance those three don’t know who Sam Darnold or Drake Maye are either.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s resume speaks for itself. Four-time All-Star. Reigning MVP. Reigning Finals MVP. Scoring champion. Leader of a championship team.
But “Jeopardy!” contestants aren’t exactly the target demographic for NBA coverage. They’re more likely to know obscure historical facts than current sports stars.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated the NBA last season. He might need to three-peat as MVP before “Jeopardy!” contestants recognize his face.
Until then, he’ll have to settle for being one of the best basketball players on the planet—even if three trivia enthusiasts have no idea who he is.