Kentucky Basketball: Top 20 Players Ever to Play for Head Coach John Calipari

10. Tyreke Evans – Memphis Tigers (2009)

Career stats: 17.1 ppg 5.4 rpg 3.9 apg

The leading scorer and passer of the 33-win Memphis team in 2009, Evans was an outstanding two-way player for Calipari. He was able to lead the Tigers to an undefeated Conference USA season, but his 33 points weren’t enough to beat Missouri in the Sweet Sixteen.

9. Derrick Rose – Memphis Tigers (2008)

Career stats: 14.9 ppg 4.5 rpg 4.7 apg

Rose had a solid freshman campaign, but it was what he did in the NCAA Tournament that rose him to the No. 1 NBA Draft pick spot. He averaged around 20 ppg, seven rebounds and six assists in Memphis’ run to the national title game, including 25 to beat UCLA in the Final Four.

8. DeMarcus Cousins – Kentucky Wildcats (2010)

Career stats: 15.1 ppg 9.8 rpg 1.0 apg

An unbelievable college big man, Cousins had countless number of double-doubles as the primary post player. And although he didn’t win SEC Player of the Year, the 6’11 future NBA star still receive All-American mentions.

7. Karl-Anthony Towns – Kentucky Wildcats (2015)

Career stats: 10.3 ppg 6.7 rpg 1.1 apg

This was the hardest player to accurately rank because his individual numbers aren’t as good as the others on this list. But he was the catalyst of Kentucky’s undefeated run to the Final Four, having to split time with other future pros. Towns still did manage to put up some big games, including a season-high 25 to beat Notre Dame in the Elite Eight.

6. John Wall – Kentucky Wildcats (2010)

Career stats: 16.6 ppg 4.3 rpg 6.5 apg

The leader of the 2010 Elite Eight Kentucky team, Wall led them in both points and assists (third nationally) to win SEC Player of the Year. To this date, he’s the best overall athlete Calipari has had to date.