As John Calipari prepares to leave Kentucky to join SEC rival Arkansas, Kendra Randle, the wife of injured Knicks star and former Wildcats standout Julius Randle, shared a heartwarming story about Kentucky’s soon-to-be former coach.
“4 years ago my grandmother was very sick in a small hospital in eastern KY,” Kendra tweeted Sunday night as news emerged of Calipari’s impending departure.
“Julius called Coach Cal and asked if there was anyone he knew that could get her transferred to UK hospital. 15 mins later she was in a helicopter to UK and I still to this day believe he saved her life.”
Kendra, who wed Julius in 2017, added in an Instagram Story: “The impact and excitement you brought Kentucky as a whole will never be forgotten but our family specially will never forget that. Just a small example of how much he loves his players truly. We love you coach!”
Kendra and Julius met during the former’s lone year in college during the 2013-14 season, according to weddingstylemagazine.com.
Julius starred for Calipari while leading the Wildcats to the national title game in 2014, although Kentucky fell short against UConn in its last appearance in the title game, 60-54.
He averaged 15 points, 10.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game that year before being selected by the Lakers with the seventh pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Kendra’s tweet shows that Calipari remains an important figure in their lives.
Randle called Calipari the “best in the business” in 2019 and spoke of the lessons Calipari taught him during his lone year in Lexington.
“One of the bigger things is accountability. I think that’s helped me not only in the NBA, but in life as well. Just be accountable for my actions, what I go out there and do,” Randle said. “The results that you want you’re responsible for. You can’t put that on anybody else. You got to go out there and be accountable. That’s one of the bigger things I learned.”
Randle actually called Calipari a “king out there” — referring to Lexington — during that interview, but he soon will no longer be atop the Kentucky throne.
A close relationship to billionaire Tyson Foods chairman and Arkansas benefactor John H. Tyson plus feeling unwanted reportedly led to Calipari leaving the Wildcats for the Razorbacks.
A five-year deal between Calipari and Arkansas is expected to be finalized Monday, according to ESPN.
