John Calipari lists Devin Booker, Anthony Davis and more as his favorite former college players - “I coached them hard”

In his 42-year-long coaching career, John Calipari has nurtured some of the NBA's top prospects. The most notable success Calipari saw was during his fifteen-year stint with the Kentucky Wildcats. Leading up to the recent 2024 NBA draft, the Naismith Hall of Fame coach has overseen 50 first-round prospects.

Recalling some of them during his appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show," John Calipari named his all-time favorite players he has coached. The list included Derrick Rose, John Wall, Karl Towns, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker and Tyrese Maxey. Pointing out the defining trait of his best players, coach Calipari said:

“Here’s what I’d say: my best players were always good guys, and I was able to coach them and coach them hard. Yeah, that’s why our best players were that way, and by being able to coach them and challenge them, you know, my best players that were that ended up going into the league and doing well.” (via On3)

In the 2024 NBA draft, Calipari-coached Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard were selected in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, respectively. Dillingham was then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Among his two other prospects from last season, Antonio Reeves was selected 47th by the Orlando Magic but was later traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Justin Edwards went undrafted but later signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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John Calipari reminisces on his Kentucky years

From 2009 to 2024, John Calipari led the Kentucky Wildcats to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances, including four trips to the Final Four, two title games and one championship in 2012. In this time, Calipari came to be known as one of the best recruiters in the country, producing the best talent.

Looking back at the years, John Calipari said to Pat McAfee:

“Look, I’ve had a ball doing it. I wasn’t ready to stop, but I was ready to – let me get this thing going. Fifteen unbelievable years, great friends, won a lot of games, did a lot of stuff. I’m just as excited about doing this now and let’s see where this goes.

“As long as I’m helping young people, we’re helping families, and changing lives that way, I kind of get inspired."

John Calipari also hinted that his retirement may be approaching soon. However, before that, he still has one more team to potentially win a championship with. Calipari has built his roster at Arkansas this season with most of his previous recruits and some transfer portal signees. The verdict is still out on how much they can achieve.