Inside NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s offseason gym

NBA all-star Shai Gilgeous Alexander trains in Hamilton in the offseason, in his mechanic’s garage. CHCH News caught up with his long-time coach, Nem Ilic, to find out what it takes to train like a pro.

Gilgeous Alexander burst onto the scene this season. Graceful and lethal from anywhere on the court, the 24-year-old averages over 30 points a game.

Ilic, Gilgeous Alexander’s mechanic, was born in Serbia and moved to Winnipeg when he was two years old. He has lived in Hamilton for 25 years. When his own basketball career started winding down, Ilic took kinesiology at McMaster university in order to stay close to the game. When his skill matched his passion, Ilic took a leap and got in touch with Hamilton’s most famous hooper.

Despite being a star in college and drafted to the NBA, Ilic found out Shai’s experience in the weight room was lacking. When the pandemic hit Ilic and Gilgeous Alexander were like everyone else and had to find somewhere else to work out and they looked no further than Ilic’s 2-car garage.

From squats to lunges to planks Shai did it all. Neighbours, especially the kids, got a kick out of seeing a 6-foot-6 NBA player pushing a weighted sled along the suburban cul-de-sac.

While he strengthened his body, Ilic says Shai’s mental strength has always been there, “he truly believes deep down that he can be a Great and that he is one of the best possible players in the world.”

Ilic’s goal is to one day open his own performance facility, not in his garage, where everyone can attend. It will be called Unlocked as in unlock the best versions of yourself.