Sad news: Rob Dillingham Kentucky wildcats men’s basketball player terminated his contract with Kentucky wildcats men’s basketball today after…..
Rob Dillingham and Antonio Reeves still supporting Kentucky following John Calipari’s departure
Dilly and Reeves are still backing the Cats.
By Cincinnati1968 May 23, 2024, 3:19pm EDT 3 Comments / 3 New
Share this story
Share this on Facebook (opens in new window)
Share this on Twitter (opens in new window)
SHARE
All sharing options
Syndication: The Courier-Journal
Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
There’s a seismic shift coming to college basketball next season. John Calipari leaving The Kentucky Wildcats after 15 seasons for Arkansas, of all teams, could really change the landscape of the sport.
After all, Cal is staying with the SEC and going to a program that will go toe-to-toe with Kentucky.
What’s now fascinating is hearing from former players who played for Calipari and Kentucky and which side they are most loyal to. When the head coach of a historic program like Kentucky leaves for another program, it can create division between the head coach and the program, regardless of how tied to the program the departing head coach is.
Players from this past season, Calipari’s final team in Lexington, had interesting responses regarding the two sides. Rob Dillingham recently told the Lexington Herald-Leader that he definitely would come back to Kentucky and for more reasons than Calipari, citing the fans, teachers, and Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart.
“I’ll come back, for sure, to Kentucky,” Dillingham said. “Because, obviously, they protected me. And it wasn’t just (Calipari). It was the fans. It was the teachers. Everybody there. I love Mitch Barnhart, the athletics director. I love all of them. So I really liked the UK experience, because they helped me as a whole, and they treated me like family.”
Dillingham and Antonio Reeves hinted at supporting both sides between Calipari and the school. Reeves, in particular, said that he is going to cheer for Calipari at Arkansas while also continuing to support Kentucky.
“The fans at Kentucky — I definitely can’t leave them behind,” Reeves said. “So I definitely gotta go back and just show them love whenever I get a chance. And I came from Kentucky. So I can’t just leave that behind.”
Regardless of which side players take, there’s no denying the impact Calipari had on Kentucky in his 15 years as the head coach. Consider: Seven of the 24 selections to the NBA All-Star Game this NBA season played for Calipari at Kentucky.
“I love Coach Cal. I appreciate him for the opportunity,” Dillingham said. “And you see him — he’s put so many players in the NBA. He’s done a great thing at Kentucky.”
Reed Sheppard, who burst onto the scene in his lone season with Kentucky this past season, has been connected to the Kentucky program his whole life. His father, Jeff, was a roommate of new Kentucky head coach Mark Pope. Reed said he can’t wait to see what’s next for the program after talking with Mark Pope, but he also said that Calipari is the best coach in the world.
It’s clear Kentucky holds a special place in the hearts of the greatest players throughout Calipari’s 15 years as the head coach in Lexington. That’s regardless of who the head coach is. But from the most recent players, it’s clear Calipari, in particular, matters a great deal to them.
Either way, there’s no denying Calipari’s work he did in Lexington over 15 seasons with winning and impacting players as young men while creating many special memories.
CBS writer says Jaxson Robinson should return to school
Kentucky Baseball defeats No. 5 Arkansas in SEC Tournament
Briana Bolton of Club Blue NIL joins Bleav in Kentucky
Top-25 recruit Tounde Yessoufou discusses interest in “dream school” Kentucky
Kentucky Women’s Basketball named a “winner” of the transfer portal
Where will Chaz Lanier land?
Recommended Content
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Shares the Nine Books He Thinks Will Change Your Life.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Shares the Nine Books He Thinks Will Change Your Life.
Ever since he was a kid, Sam Altman—the CEO of OpenAI —has been an avid reader. He shares the nine books that he thinks will change your life.
Sponsored | Blinkist: Sam Altman’s Reading List
Amari Williams discusses the surreal experience of signing with KentuckyAmari Williams discusses the surreal experience of signing with Kentucky
Amari Williams discusses the surreal experience of signing with Kentucky
Where Kentucky recruits stand in final ESPN 2024 rankingsWhere Kentucky recruits stand in final ESPN 2024 rankings
Where Kentucky recruits stand in final ESPN 2024 rankings
Incredible, the TV Box Everyone Is Talking About: Access All Channels?
Incredible, the TV Box Everyone Is Talking About: Access All Channels?
FanPosts Masthead Community Guidelines Facebook Twitter YouTube
Contact Have a News Tip? Browse Blogs SB Nation Masthead Company Blog Blog Openings Editorial Ethics and Guidelines
Terms of Use Privacy Notice Cookie Policy Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data Licensing FAQ Accessibility Platform Status Advertise with us Jobs Vox Media
