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?"
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