Stories Since the Lockout: Calipari Welcomes Kentucky Alumni Back

John Calipari is one of the smartest coaches and recruiters in all sports. With the lockout in place, Calipari has welcomed all former Kentucky players to use the Lexington facilities during the lockout. Some of these players have even decided to take some classes to get closer to their degree. These players include John Wall, Demarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and Rajon Rondo. Now just think about recruits coming in to visit Kentucky. Calipari gives them a tour of the school and ends it at teh practice facility and says, "have you met John Wall or Rajon Rodon? They'll be here as long as the lock out lasts, and if it lasts over a season, they could be practicing against you." Talk about being star struck on a recruiting visit.

Just this year alone players like Terrence Jones, Doron Lamb, Michael Gilchrist, and Anthony DAvis will be practicing against NBA first round picks and All Stars if the lockout continues. The guys they'll be practicing against will be better than the guys the play in games. That's how you improve a team.

He also had an alumni game at Rupp Arena against the National Dominican Republic team that he is coaching. Players included young gunners John Wall and Demarcus Cousins, former NBA All Stars Rajon Rondo and Tayshaun Prince, and NBA role players such as Ketih Bogans and Nazr Mohammed. All past Wildcats loved playing in the game and hope they can do it again sometime soon.