Players First

More about the book

As a college basketball fan, I've always admired John Calipari's leadership style. This remarkable book reveals his greater purpose: to guide young players toward better lives and inspire them to give back. In his account of coaching the Kentucky Wildcats, Calipari shares his journey from the program's lows to a national championship, highlighting lessons on leadership, character, and achieving both personal and collective success. Central to his coaching philosophy is a focus on the players—understanding their needs to help them excel. His honesty and commitment to keeping promises have earned him the love and respect of his players. Calipari navigates the challenges of coaching young athletes who arrive at Kentucky with aspirations of the NBA after just one year of college basketball. He confronts the system while excelling within it, reinventing his team annually. Following his 2012 NCAA championship, the stakes were particularly high as he lost his first six players to the draft, showcasing the extraordinary challenge of coaching such talent. With an impressive record, Calipari stands among the greatest coaches in basketball history. Bold, humorous, and candid, this book offers profound insights into his experiences and the lessons they impart.