"The best I’ve ever coached": John Calipari pens emotional message on former Memphis standout Derrick Rose's retirement 

Former Memphis Tigers guard Derrick Rose announced his retirement from the NBA on Thursday. In his 16-year career, Rose played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and more.

Following this announcement, Arkansas coach John Calipari wrote a long message for his former student on X.

"Derrick Rose and I talked a few days ago about his decision to retire from the NBA and start the next phase of his life with his family," Calipari wrote. "His decision was well thought out, and his concern for his family was evident. His appreciation of his long career and what it meant to him was heartfelt."

He was always an unbelievable teammate, maybe the best I’ve ever coached. He was a coach's dream, authentic and always trying to make it about other people, and that goes back to his high school days. He was shy and an introvert but one of the most competitive players with an unending will to win."

Derrick Rose played just one season for the Tigers and averaged 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals. He shot 47.7% from the field, including 33.7% from the three-point range. Rose was a CUSA Rookie of the Year and was named the CUSA All-Freshman.

Derrick Rose once revealed his respect for John Calipari despite his hatred

In an interview with "My Expert Opinion" in 2022, Derrick Rose revealed that he hated John Calipari for his treatment on the court. The No.1 draft pick said that the coach had him on a tunnel vision which Rose did not like.

“Like, I hated him while I was there. Because, bruh, he tricked my mom into even getting me there. Told her, like, showing her the facility, he went down there, acting like he going to be a nice guy like all coaches do. You know what I’m saying?”

Derrick Rose shared that John Calipari was rude during practice and threatened his players with removal if they even missed one shot. However, despite all this, Rose also spoke highly of Calipari in his book, “I’ll Show You."

“I didn’t grow up around white people. My first time being in class with a white kid was in college," Rose wrote. "So a white dude coming in my crib and talking to my mom, and she’s understanding where he’s coming from and he’s showing her respect, that was big."

"And I was feeling the same way. He stood on everything he said. He has integrity. That’s something I respect about him.”

While Derrick Rose navigates his new post-retirement life, John Calipari is preparing for his debut with the Arkansas Razorbacks.