Arkansas men’s basketball coach John Calipari named two retired NBA stars the best point guards he’s had the chance to coach during his 33-year career that started in Massachusetts, continued in Memphis and then in Kentucky before he took over the Razorbacks ahead of last season.
Calipari has seen, coached, and faced a lot of talented players over the years, but when it comes to the best point guard he has ever coached, the answer is clear for the 66-year-old.
On Wednesday, the Arkansas coach caused a stir among college basketball fans when he named the two best PGs he had under his wing. With huge names such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey, or De’Aaron Fox, many would expect him to pick an active NBA player.
John Calipari gushes about Derrick Rose and John Wall
Calipari took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his opinion on this matter, going with Derrick Rose and John Wall as the two best PGs he ever coached.
Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls moves against the Atlanta Hawks at the United Center on January 3, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hawks 76-74.
“Two of the best point guards and best teammates that I have ever coached. What I am most proud of is the men they have become. I can’t wait to see the impact they have with the rest of their lives!” Calipari tweeted.
Calipari coached Memphis from 2000 through 2009, taking a young but dominant Derrick Rose under his guidance. Rose led the Tigers to the 2008 national championship game before becoming the No. 1 selection in that year’s draft.
John Wall only spent a season with Kentucky in 2010, putting on remarkable numbers, becoming a consensus All-American, making it to the SEC All-Freshman team, and becoming the SEC tournament MVP on his way to the NBA.
