Discover the quiet strength of the Oklahoma City Thunder as they embrace the holiday spirit, celebrating unity and achievement in an empty Paycom Center.
- February 9, 2026
AceShowbiz - From left: Simon Gebrelul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and GIV?ON photographed by Diwang Valdez on December 20, 2025, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Styling by Yashua Simmons. Barbering by Moe Harb. Hair braiding for Gilgeous-Alexander by Alysha Bonadie. Grooming by Teresa Luz. On-site production by Laela Zadeh.
As Christmas approaches, the Paycom Center stands in an unusual hush.
The arena, home to the Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning champions of the 2025 NBA season, usually buzzes with the excitement of 18,000 fans. However, today, the silence is profound. Yet, even in this stillness, the achievements of the Thunder resonate loudly. Banners celebrating division titles proudly adorn the rafters. As you glance at the empty arena, three words in bold orange and blue emerge: Committed, Community, Together.
This trio of principles not only propels the Thunder forward but also encapsulates the philosophy of Simon Gebrelul’s ISLA Management. Since its inception in 2018, ISLA has demonstrated that a successful management company can thrive on the foundation of friendship, particularly when its clientele includes some of the biggest names in sports and music today, like Thunder superstar and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum artist GIV?ON.
“My clients are my friends,” explains Gebrelul, 34. “I met many of them during gaming sessions when I was just 16, 17, or 18. You fight hard for the people you care about. I've jeopardized relationships with major companies because I stood up for my clients. When you truly care, your bond with them outweighs any brand relationship. I’m committed to my clients, no matter the circumstance. That connection diminishes when you prioritize becoming a company over a family.”
As a passionate sports enthusiast, Gebrelul always aspired to work in the NBA. He independently managed basketball players in the mid-2010s but felt a calling for something greater. “Basketball was my first love,” he shares. “That’s where many of my business relationships started. However, I’ve always had a deep respect for the music industry. I had friends creating music at top levels, and artists and producers often sought my advice on their tracks. I recognized an opportunity in the music business, so I decided to explore that realm first.”
Initially focusing solely on music clients, Gebrelul adopted a family-oriented approach, forging strong connections that would define his career trajectory.
