Much of the top NBA talent over the last quarter of a century joined the league by way of John Calipari-led college basketball programs, including the 2025 MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Kentucky product and Oklahoma City Thunder standout became the second player to win the league’s top individual honor on the heels of a college career under Calipari’s tutelage, joining former Memphis star Derrick Rose, who was named the league’s MVP in 2011.
Calipari said Gilgeous-Alexander and Rose had plenty in common, particularly with regard to their intangible traits. While they played at different schools and in different eras of college athletics, a common thread connected them.
“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.”
Despite his status as another prized, five-star recruit in Calipari’s long line of blue-chip freshmen, Gilgeous-Alexander spent much of his lone season at Kentucky as a bench contributor. He eventually climbed into the starting lineup and played his best basketball down the stretch until the Wildcats lost in the 2018 Sweet 16.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contract explained: SGA eligible for $357M supermax but can make even more next year
Sam Quinn
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