Calipari began his coaching career in 1982 as an assistant coach at the University of Kansas. He then moved on to be an assistant coach at the University of Pittsburgh and then the University of Massachusetts. In 1988, he was named head coach of the University of Massachusetts. During his time there, he led the team to five NCAA tournament appearances, including a Final Four appearance in 1996.
In 1996, Calipari was hired as the head coach of the NBA's New Jersey Nets. He was the first coach in NBA history to lead his team to the playoffs in his first season. He was also the first coach to lead the Nets to two consecutive playoff appearances. After two seasons with the Nets, Calipari returned to college basketball and became the head coach of the University of Memphis in 2000.
At Memphis, Calipari led the team to five consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2008. He also led the team to four conference championships and was named Conference USA Coach of the Year three times. In 2009, Calipari was hired as the head coach of the University of Kentucky. He has since led the Wildcats to eight NCAA tournament appearances, including a national championship in 2012.
Throughout his career, Calipari has been known for his ability to develop players and prepare them for the NBA. He has coached numerous players who have gone on to have successful professional careers, including Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Anthony Davis. Calipari has also been a leader in the college basketball world, helping to create the “one-and-done” rule, which allows players to enter the NBA draft after one year of college.
John Calipari has had a successful and influential career as a basketball coach. He has led teams to numerous NCAA tournament appearances, conference championships, and a national championship. He has also been a leader in the college basketball world, helping to create the “one-and-done” rule. He has coached numerous players who have gone on to have successful professional careers.
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