"Both of them have the same DNA" - John Calipari on the unique trait Derrick Rose and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander share originally appeared on Basketball Network .
John Calipari coached a wide array of elite talent during his days as one of college basketball's most sought-after recruiters, guiding future All-Stars, champions, and franchise players into the NBA. However, no two stars shine brighter in his memory than the two league MVPs who once played under his watch — Derrick Rose and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander .
And while their games couldn't look more different at first glance, Calipari sees a striking similarity between the two point guard icons.
"I've had two NBA MVPs that I've been blessed to coach. Derrick Rose and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, let me tell ya, both of them have the same DNA," the now Arkansas Razorbacks head tactician pointed out.
"They are driven and wired and they are on a continuous path their whole career to improve. And everything to do is geared toward that. Second thing, unbelievable teammates, both of them. So, Shai does not do a post-game interview with his teammates around him. Derrick would not take a picture for a magazine or whatever, unless he had teammates around him," Cal added. "And then, they both have something special. Derrick was about speed and explosiveness, Shai is about pace."
Rose and Calipari's connection goes back to their days at Memphis, where the electric guard led the Tigers to the 2008 NCAA title game before becoming the first overall pick in the draft. What followed was nothing short of historic. The youngest MVP in league history and one of the most athletic guards the game has ever seen. With his explosive first step and attacking the rim like it owes him money, defenders often looked helpless trying to stop prime D-Rose.
But the Chicago native's meteoric rise was cut short by injuries, robbing him of his trademark explosiveness and altering the course of his career.
On the other end of the spectrum is SGA , the 2025 NBA MVP, who entered Kentucky with far less hype but steadily built himself into one of the most unstoppable forces in the league. Instead of raw athletic power, Shai operates with surgical precision and approach. It is his footwork and ability to use his big body that makes opponents' lives a living hell.
They are built differently, they play differently, yet they embody the same rare competitive spirit. As Calipari put it, different tools, same beast.
As good as they are on the court, Calipari insists that what truly sets Rose and Gilgeous-Alexander apart isn't measured in highlight reels, which, by the way, are plenty to see. Instead, it is their ability to deflect the spotlight, connect with fans and keep the focus on their teams.
Calipari pointed to moments where both players refused to let the narrative center solely on them. Rose wouldn't pose for a magazine cover unless teammates were included. Shai avoids doing post-game interviews without others by his side.
They value winning, but they value those who help them win even more. That's the DNA Calipari was talking about. That's what ties together two MVPs separated by era and their different play style.
For Coach Cal, the man who saw thousands of players during his basketball career, that blend of talent and humility isn't just rare, it's what makes them truly unforgettable.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
