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

By Tristan Freeman

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 22: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts against the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at Philips Arena on March 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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24 MAR 1995: MARCUS CAMBY, #21 OF UMASS CELEBRATES THE WIN OVER TULSA IN THE SEMI-FINAL GAME AT THE NCAA EAST REGIONALS AT THE BRENDAN BYRNE ARENA IN THE MEADOWLANDS,NEW JERSEY. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT
24 MAR 1995: MARCUS CAMBY, #21 OF UMASS CELEBRATES THE WIN OVER TULSA IN THE SEMI-FINAL GAME AT THE NCAA EAST REGIONALS AT THE BRENDAN BYRNE ARENA IN THE MEADOWLANDS,NEW JERSEY. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT /

5. Julius Randle – Kentucky Wildcats (2014)

Career stats: 15.0 ppg 10.4 rpg 1.4 apg

Similar to this past Kentucky Basketball team, the 2014 was led primarily by underclassmen with a lack of a veteran presence. But Randle carried this team throughout the season, with 27 double-doubles out of 40 games, with four straight in the NCAA Tournament to take the Wildcats to a surprising title game. Randle might not be the best big Calipari has had, but he might have been the most productive.

4. Jim McCoy – Massachusetts Minutemen (1989-1992)

Career stats: 18.8 ppg 3.2 rpg 1.5 apg

The only four-year player on this list, McCoy is a rare player for Calipari. He was a freshman when Calipari first started coaching, and he became arguably the best player in program history. McCoy led the team in scoring all four years, including the 30-win team in 1992. The all-time leading scorer in Minutemen history never scored less than 16.4 ppg, and along with Calipari is credited for turning the program around.

3. Chris Douglas-Roberts – Memphis Tigers (2006-2008)

Career stats: 14.2 ppg 3.7 apg 1.7 apg

Rose may have been the face of that 2008 Memphis team that went almost all the way, but it was actually Douglas-Roberts who was the player who led the 38-win Tigers club. He averaged 18.1 ppg and won Conference USA Player of the Year. The junior scored at least 17 points in all six games in the NCAA Tournament, including 28 to beat UCLA in the Final Four. Douglas-Roberts actually led all scorers in that title game loss to Kansas.

2. Marcus Camby – Massachusetts Minutemen (1994-1996)

Career stats: 15.1 ppg 7.0 rpg 1.4 apg

There is a serious debate as to whether Camby is the greatest defender in college basketball. He led the NCAA in blocks three times as well as winning the 1996 AP National Player of the Year. Camby also showed his offensive talents, averaging 20.5 ppg in his final year with the team. He was responsible for carrying the team to the Final Four, which elevated Calipari as a head coach.

1. Anthony Davis – Kentucky Wildcats (2012)

Career stats: 14.2 ppg 10.4 rpg 1.3 apg

The best player in the country who went on to win a national title, Davis was one of a few high school stars who actually exceeded expectations. He led Kentucky to an unbeaten SEC regular season, as well as in the Big Dance. Even when Davis wasn’t great offensively, his elite defense and rebounding were capable of turning the tide of any individual game.

Next: Top 15 Players to Play for Bob Huggins of West Virginia Basketball

Davis won every award he was eligible for, including both SEC and AP Player of the Year. On a roster full of five-star prospects, Davis was still able to stand out and become the can’t miss NBA Draft pick. He gave Calipari his only college title and has inspired future bigs to go to Lexington.

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