Words with .... Kentucky's John Calipari
Q: How long did you celebrate last season’s NCAA championship?
A: We did a tour with the trophy, probably about a month. And then it was, like, all right, put that thing up on the shelf and let's go, let's start, we have a lot of work to do.
Q: Do you enjoy the challenge of starting over each year after losing one-and-done players to the NBA?
A: I recruit the best players. If it's their time to leave, that's their family's decision, and they do it. And I'll adjust and make do. I would hope there are years we get a bunch to stay. We just haven't hit that year yet.
Q: Which suits you best, the underdog role at Massachusetts and Memphis or the top-dog role at Kentucky?
A: I'd rather be at Kentucky, to be honest with you. Because you've got a chance every year to win a national title. If you're a competitor, you want to be at the best job where you can get the best players, compete at the highest level. That's where I am. Sometimes be careful what you wish for, I guess. But I have enjoyed it.
Q: Did you feel a sense of relief when you won the national title?
A: No, but it's nice for my friends and family so they don't have to see and hear things I don't read and listen to. … Before the game, a guy says to me, "Coach, how does it feel to be the best coach to never win a national title?" The game ends and the same guy runs up: "Coach, how does it feel to be the worst coach to ever win a national title?"
About the Author
Tim Tucker, a long-time AJC sports reporter, often writes about the business side of the games. He also had stints as the AJC's Braves beat writer, UGA beat writer, sports notes columnist and executive sports editor. He was deputy managing editor of America's first all-sports newspaper, The National Sports Daily.
