Shai Gilgeous

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to play for Canada in court named after him in Hamilton

TD Coliseum unveils court tributing NBA champion ahead of Team Canada's World Cup qualifying games

From a Hamilton kid to NBA champion, the journey of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is once again coming full circle.

Days before the basketball superstar is set to take the floor for Team Canada in his hometown, TD Coliseum announced Monday that they will be honouring the NBA champion and two-time league MVP with a basketball court named after him, ahead of Canada's FIBA Men's Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers games in Hamilton, a news release on Monday states.

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The Shai Legacy Court will make its debut when Canada faces Puerto Rico on Friday, followed by Jamaica on July 6. Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to suit up for both games in front of a hometown crowd.

Earlier this year, the Hamilton native became an investor in TD Coliseum.

The arena also unveiled the Ares Atrium, a permanent installation named after Gilgeous-Alexander's two-year-old son. Located at Gate 9, the space features a custom mural by Canadian artist Kareem-Anthony Ferreira exploring themes of family, identity and belonging.

Nick DeLuco, senior vice-president and general manager of TD Coliseum, said the installations recognize both Gilgeous-Alexander's accomplishments and his impact on the city.

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"We're honoured to celebrate his family's connection to Hamilton in a way that will inspire future generations for years to come," DeLuco said in the news release.

"Hamilton gave me the space to dream and the foundation to become who I am," Gilgeous-Alexander said, also in the release. "Having something permanent here connected to my family's legacy means everything, and getting to play for Team Canada on my own court is something I'm really proud of."

Last summer, Hamilton honoured Gilgeous-Alexander and presented him with a key to the city at Hamilton Stadium.

Jeffery is a reporter with CBC Hamilton. He previously worked as a reporter at CBC Saskatchewan in Regina, and was an associate producer at CBC Toronto. You can reach him at jeffery.tram@cbc.ca.