Arkansas' John Calipari stuns with $6 billion truth bomb on The Pat McAfee Show

The John Calipari era has been a remarkable chapter in the history of college basketball. He has led multiple teams to the NCAA Tournament and provided countless players with a pathway to achieve their dreams in the NBA. Calipari’s most notable stop was at Kentucky, where he enjoyed the majority of his success.

However, last season marked his first year at Arkansas. Despite struggling through much of the latter part of the season, the Razorbacks rallied just in time for the NCAA Tournament. If not for a late-game blunder in the Sweet Sixteen, they might have advanced beyond the Elite Eight.

Regardless of how it ended, Calipari still considers last season to be one of his most fulfilling.

“Man, I've done this a long time. And this may be the most rewarding season for me because there are a bunch of good kids that struggled early,” Calipari said. “Yet because they were good people, they stuck together. Our staff never blamed and just kept working with them."

Recently, Calipari spoke about two of his former players, Derrick Rose and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, calling the two "eerily similar."

“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.”

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Calipari also discussed the financial success his former players have had in the NBA—and the numbers are staggering.

“I’m telling kids you don’t wanna trip over nickels trying to get to $200M… My guys have made six billion dollars in the NBA… When I say that, if you’re willing to take an extra $800,000 to go and you’re telling me you want to be a pro, have at it,” Calipari said.

That $6 billion figure underscores the tremendous impact Calipari has had on the game and on the lives of his players. His influence extends far beyond wins and losses—he’s helped transform young athletes’ lives, guiding them toward long-term success. Calipari is not only a great coach, but also a master at helping players secure a future in professional basketball.