@UKCoachCalipari/Twitter
John Calipari has helped a lot of talented players not only reach but star in the NBA during his time as head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Last night, the three-time Naismith Coach of the Year posed for a photo with a number of his UK alumni at the All-Star Game in Indianapolis with the caption “#LaFamilia.”
The picture, which has received thousands of likes, featured Anthony Davis, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Karl Anthony Towns, Tyrese Maxey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and assistant coach Tyler Ulis.
Fans reacted to Coach Cal’s social media post:
“Must say, this is pretty damn gangster,” Kyle Tucker said.
“Some people will look at this picture and say something to the effect of, ‘All that talent and only one title.’ … That is frustrating, but I look at this picture and think of the amount of families John Calipari has changed for the better,” Tristan Pharis replied.
“The players in this picture represent: • National Championship, • 2 Final Fours, • 3 Elite Eights, • 4 SEC Tournament Championships, • 4 SEC Regular Season Championships.”
“This is John Calipari’s legacy for Kentucky basketball,” a user tweeted. “He’s gotten many players to the NBA and the generational wealth that comes with it. On the other hand, I never met a UK fan who really cares about the NBA. Cats fans care about success at college level.”
“I love that Ulis went with Cal,” a user teared up.
Love him or hate him, John Calipari has left his mark on both college and pro basketball. Since taking over in Lexington he’s had 47 players selected in the NBA Draft; 23 of which went in the lottery.