Meeting Vaughn Alexander: A Father’s Reflection on Family, Basketball, and Legacy

Yesterday was one of those rare moments where personal joy and public inspiration collided. My son and I had the privilege of attending the second annual No Flukes basketball camp, hosted by Vaughn Alexander — father of NBA superstar and 2025 MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA). Though we missed the appearances of Shai and special guest Allen Iverson, what we gained was far greater: a moment with Vaughn himself, a man quietly becoming a symbol of presence, resilience, and intentional fatherhood.

What a run the Alexander family has been on. SGA not only led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA Championship, but he also squared off against his own cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, during the playoffs — a family rivalry that captured the hearts of fans and surely made for some tense moments in the Alexander household. My own son, Morocco, who spent last summer immersed in baseball, has fully shifted into basketball this year. He plays at school, the rec, and every camp we can sign him up for. Watching his love for the game blossom — and watching who he looks up to — is one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Shai is his idol. So when we heard about this camp, we made it a mission to attend.

As someone who grew up with little to no relationship with my own parents, sharing these moments with my son is uncharted and emotional territory. It’s more than sports — it’s a bond we’re building from scratch. When I see Vaughn Alexander out front, not only celebrating his son’s success but also guiding, mentoring, and inspiring through initiatives like No Flukes, I see a reflection of the kind of father I want to be. And I’m not alone.

Vaughn has become a polarizing figure for all the right reasons. In a time when the media often fixates on the absence of father figures in the "Black" community, Vaughn stands as a shining counterexample — present, vocal, and intentional. I first discovered him through his podcast interviews, where he speaks with clarity about purpose and legacy. Following him on social media led me to the camp, which was held at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport on July 27th.

Though our schedule didn’t allow us to be there for the entire event — I had obligations with 5 Principles Cuisines earlier in the day — we arrived around 2 PM, just after SGA and Allen Iverson had left. But the energy was still high, and Vaughn was still engaging with attendees, answering questions, shaking hands, and posing for pictures. Amidst the crowd, my son and I waited patiently. When our turn came, Vaughn graciously took photos with us, and I gave him a copy of my book The 27th Letters(revised version).

That brief exchange affirmed everything I’ve observed from a distance. Vaughn carries himself with a mix of pride and humility, aware that what the Alexander family is doing is not an accident. As he often says, “No Flukes.” It’s a statement of intention — using basketball not just as a game, but as a foundation to uplift family and community.

Walking away from that camp, I wasn’t just proud of the autograph or the photos. I was proud to be on this journey with my son. Proud to have a model like Vaughn to learn from. And more than anything, grateful that this new generation of fathers — myself included — are showing up with purpose.

This wasn’t just a basketball camp. It was a reminder that greatness isn’t a fluke — it’s a result of vision, effort, and love.