Former UCLA coach Steve Alford taking in UK practices

Former UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford is in Lexington for a few days and taking in Kentucky Wildcats practices.

“He’s (Alford) here. He’s in our (staff) meetings. He and I have been friends for a long time, so he said he wanted to come in for a couple days,” said Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

“So he’s here today. I don’t think he’s staying for the game, but he’ll watch us practice. He’ll be at the radio show tonight. I’ve known him for 30 years so. He’s a great guy. Terrific coach.”

Alford, who was fired by UCLA earlier this season, is a coaching free agent, and it’s unclear what his next move will be. Coach Cal and Alford are good friends, so this probably does not mean that Cal is considering Alford for a potential assistant position in the coming future.

Then again, if Kentucky makes a change to their coaching staff this offseason, Alford might be someone to consider. After all, he’s got great recruiting ties on the West Coast, where big-name recruits like Jalen Green, Jaden McDaniels, Cassius Stanley, Josh Christopher and Kyree Walker are currently playing high school hoops at.

And remember, Tony Barbee and Joel Justus both have their contracts expire this offseason.

While Alford struggled in his final season’s at UCLA, him being around the team for a few days could be a good thing for the Wildcats.

Remember, UCLA and Kentucky had a quiet rivalry from 2015-2017, including the Bruins sneaking a win at Rupp in December of 2016, but the Wildcats and De’Aaron Fox getting revenge on Alford and Lonzo Ball in that season’s NCAA Tournament.