Arkansas coach John Calipari joined Penny Hardaway on The Two Cents podcast to discuss the remarkable success of the players he has coached. Reflecting on their accomplishments, Calipari shared the impressive milestones reached by his former athletes.
When asked if any players surprised him with how far they advanced, Calipari modestly praised his track record, emphasizing the consistent talent he helped develop throughout his career, including the notable success of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Calipari’s Remarkable Coaching Legacy and Player Milestones
John Calipari revealed that approximately 80 of his former players have competed in the NBA, with around 50 selected in the first round of the draft. Among them, he estimated over 40 as lottery picks, 15 to 18 as top-10 selections, and four as number one overall picks. Collectively, these athletes have earned an estimated $6 billion in career earnings.
Calipari also highlighted that seven of his former players participated in a recent NBA All-Star game, and 18 competed in this year’s playoffs, showcasing the high level of talent he has consistently coached.
He mentioned several stars by name, including Julius Randle, Jamal Murray, Karl-Anthony Towns, and especially Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the accomplished leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who holds a special place in his coaching memories.
Calipari Reflects on Coaching Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Development
Calipari shared a personal story about Gilgeous-Alexander, recalling how he initially hesitated to start Shai during his first few games. Despite this, Shai trusted Calipari’s decision on team rotations.
“Shai, I didn’t start him my first eight or nine games,” Calipari said. “Called him in and said, ‘I know you should be starting, but I like the rotation.’ He said, ‘I trust you, Coach. Go do your thing.’”
Calipari praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s work ethic, noting that he was the most consistent player in practice, never missed class, excelled in the weight room, and dedicated himself to fixing flaws in his shot each morning.
Moreover, Calipari stressed that success in the NBA goes beyond being drafted; it’s about dominating the game when it matters most.
Conditions for Renewing Arkansas vs. Memphis Exhibition Games
The podcast also touched on the possibility of reviving exhibition games between Arkansas and the Memphis Tigers, where Calipari previously coached from 2000 to 2009, leading Memphis to the 2008 national championship game.
Calipari expressed his wish that any return of this rivalry includes a meaningful cause and the participation of his former players.
“Let’s start – I’ll say it here. St. Jude (Children’s Research Hospital), you know how I feel about St. Jude,” Calipari said. “You start with this exhibition, but they got to have all my former players come back.”
The Enduring Impact of John Calipari’s Coaching Career
Calipari’s reflections underscore the lasting influence he has had on numerous elite athletes, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Karl-Anthony Towns. His emphasis on work ethic, consistency, and competitive drive has translated into significant player success and earnings.
As discussions arise about renewing historic matchups like Arkansas versus Memphis, Calipari’s focus on community and former player involvement hints at future events that honor both competition and charity.