Monday Headlines: John Calipari’s love for Joe B. Hall Edition

By John Morgan Francis@MonJorgan Jun 28, 2021, 6:40am EDT

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Whether it’s breakfast at Wheeler’s Pharmacy, home visits or chats over the phone, Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari has never held back his love for former head coach and Kentucky basketball legend Joe B Hall. With new members of the team asking Calipari about Hall and his statue in front of the Wildcat Coal Lodge, the head coach decided to take his new group of players to see Hall on Sunday.

I told Coach Hall the first job I do every morning is clean the bird poop off his statue! LOL!
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) June 28, 2021

Dating all the way back to 2012, Calipari noted even then how Hall’s forward-thinking continues. Hall, who retired as Kentucky coach 27 years ago, remains a source for advice, encouragement and perspective.

Hall has played a significant role in the success of Kentucky basketball for most of his life. Revamping the program throughout the 1970s as head coach to being a highly-respected advisor and mentor to the program following his coaching days. His presence has always been felt as a benefit and one that Calipari obviously has great appreciation for.

Tweet of the Day

Clippers assistant Chauncey Billups has reached agreement on a five-year deal to become the new coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2021