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Who is Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's cousin in March Madness at Troy
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- Who is Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's cousin in March Madness at Troy
Troy senior Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow has learned to savor every trip to Oklahoma City.
It's not just another stop on the map. It's family.
Gilgeous-Glasgow is the first-cousin of OKC Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two stay in regular contact, speaking with each other weekly.
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That connection came full circle once again ahead of Troy's NCAA Tournament matchup against Nebraska at 11:40 a.m. Thursday inside Paycom Center .
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"We spoke yesterday and he wished me luck before our game," Gilgeous-Glasgow said. "He's never really changed. Shai's never let the attention get to him. He handles his business, and he's very professional."
The last time Gilgeous-Glasgow was inside Paycom Center came on Dec. 23, 2024, when Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 41 points in a win over the Washington Wizards . Less than 48 hours later, the setting shifted to a Christmas gathering at SGA's home.
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That balance between stardom and normalcy is what's always stood out.
"It was crazy to see up close how his approach to the game hasn't changed all these years later," Gilgeous-Glasgow said. "Shai had a great game. That was his first 40-ball of the season, and they were filming 'Starting 5' . Then we're all just together for Christmas. It was just a cool experience."
Those holiday moments have become tradition when basketball allows it.
Gilgeous-Glasgow has yet to play in a game for Troy this season. He played last season at Toronto Metropolitan , starting 24 games while averaging 12.5 points and 4.6 assists after beginning his career at Howard College.
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Basketball has always been a family affair for Gilgeous-Glasgow.
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Troy's Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow (7) practices during practice and media day for the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla., Wednesday March 18, 2026.
He credits both Gilgeous-Alexander and Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker — also his cousin — for shaping his game from an early age.
"We're always around each other," Gilgeous-Glasgow said. "As long as I can remember, we've been playing — me and my older brother versus Shai and Thomasi (Shai's brother), or him and Nickeil. Just countless battles. Those were the great days."
Gilgeous-Glasgow spent last spring and summer playing for the Calgary Surge in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. That kept him away from Oklahoma City during the Thunder's NBA title run last summer.
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It's a moment he hasn't quite let go of.
And one he doesn't plan on missing again.
"I've got to be here this time for the playoffs," Gilgeous-Glasgow said. "Last year, I missed all that and it was historic, so I'm definitely not missing it this year."
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Schedule, TV times for NCAA men's basketball March Madness games in Oklahoma City
Thursday's games at Paycom Center (All games on TruTV):
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Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis . Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Javier Gilgeous-Glasgow arrives in March Madness with Troy basketball
