John Calipari, the renowned college basketball coach, has highlighted the connection between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Derrick Rose, both of whom won the NBA MVP award after developing under his guidance. The Kentucky alum and Oklahoma City Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander earned the MVP in 2025, becoming the second player coached by Calipari to claim the league’s top individual accolade, after Rose achieved the honor in 2011.
Calipari emphasized that despite playing in different eras and at separate universities, Gilgeous-Alexander and Rose share important intangible qualities that define their success.
Calipari on the Unique Character and Team Focus of Both MVPs
I’ve coached two MVPs: Derrick Rose and Shai. Both had the same DNA. Unbelievable teammates,
Calipari said on The Pat McAfee Show.
Shai won’t do an interview unless his teammates are around. Derrick wouldn’t take a picture unless his teammates were around. You’ll never hear a player that played with them ever say a bad word because they’re great teammates. They were both wired and driven; one by trying to prove himself, ‘I’m better than you think,’ the other trying to live up to what he was.
The coach illustrated that both players’ dedication to their teams set them apart, marking their leadership and humility as essential parts of their MVP journeys.
Contrasting College Journeys of Gilgeous-Alexander and Rose
Despite many recruits arriving at Kentucky with high expectations, Gilgeous-Alexander initially served mostly as a bench player during his sole college season. He gradually earned his spot in the starting lineup and played strongly toward the end of the season, although Kentucky’s campaign ended in the 2018 Sweet 16.
Rose, on the other hand, had a more distinguished college year. He led Memphis to the 2008 Final Four and was recognized as an All-American, but his team fell to Kansas in a notable overtime national championship game.
Different Playing Styles But Similar Mindsets, According to Calipari
Derrick was speed would kill you, his quick bounce and floaters. Shai more of a pace game that just goes and gets buckets but plays a good floor game, too. But it’s amazing — Shai did not start for me for eight games, nine games. And when I called him in and said, ‘You need to be starting,’ he said, ‘I’m good, Coach. I trust you.’ Just tells you about what he is.
Calipari pointed out that while their styles differ—with Rose’s explosive quickness contrasting Gilgeous-Alexander’s methodical scoring and team play—their mutual trust in leadership and determination bonds their experiences.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Rapid Rise to NBA Stardom
After his freshman season at Kentucky, Gilgeous-Alexander became a highly sought-after NBA draft prospect. Selected 11th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, he was later traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where his career soared upward.
During the 2024-25 NBA season, Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as one of the most consistent and productive scorers in league history. He led the league in scoring and achieved a record-breaking streak of scoring at least 20 points in 72 straight games. His MVP award came amid the Thunder’s deep playoff run as they pushed the Indiana Pacers to a pivotal Game 6 in the finals, holding a 3-2 lead heading into the matchup.
Implications of Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Achievement
Gilgeous-Alexander’s growth from a bench player at Kentucky to an NBA MVP demonstrates the power of perseverance and leadership rooted in team commitment, traits Calipari identifies as core to both him and Derrick Rose. This parallel underscores how valuable collegiate coaching and personal character are in shaping outstanding professional careers.
With the Thunder advancing in the finals, Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership will be critical in their pursuit of an NBA championship, potentially further cementing his place among the league’s elite talents.