John Calipari has coached some of the NBA’s top talent in recent years.
Currently leading the Arkansas Razorbacks, Calipari previously built powerhouse rosters year after year with the Kentucky Wildcats. Among the standout players he coached are Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, Jamal Murray, DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Rajon Rondo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Despite the impressive list of NBA stars developed under Calipari, only one of them has gone on to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Following Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win, Calipari shared a heartfelt message:
“I’m so proud of Shai. He earned the MVP through his work, competitive spirit, championship demeanor, along with being a GREAT TEAMMATE!!! Congrats @shaiglalex.”
Gilgeous-Alexander played for Calipari during the 2017–18 season at Kentucky. After a strong freshman year, he entered the NBA Draft and was selected 11th overall in 2018.
Now thriving in the pros, Gilgeous-Alexander had a breakout season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game en route to winning MVP honors.
Calipari, known for championing his former players, previously coached another MVP — Derrick Rose — during his time at Memphis.
While congratulating Gilgeous-Alexander online, Calipari also showed his continued support by attending Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.
“At the Knicks game tonight,” he posted. “Have to go see OKC/Minnesota next week. Always support my guys.”
Several Calipari alumni are still competing in the NBA playoffs, including Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks), Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace (Thunder), Isaiah Jackson (Pacers), and Julius Randle and Rob Dillingham (Timberwolves).
