John Calipari gives update on offseason progress and NBA Draft message

With the NBA Draft upcoming and offseason action for the current Kentucky Wildcats in full swing, John Calipari shared some thoughts on Twitter over the weekend.

On the state of his current team, Calipari discussed how his team has come together and “improved their skills and grown to know and really respect each other.” He also called the summer a “home run.”

In addition to work on the court, Calipari touched on NIL deals and how the team has benefited both individually and as a team to assure “all players benefit.”

“Really proud of our team,” Calipari wrote. “They have come together, improved their skills and grown to know and really respect each other. The summer has been a home run for our program.

“They’ve also taken on NIL, but haven’t just done great deals as individuals. They’re also doing things collectively, coming together to make sure that all players benefit. They’ve used the @KentuckyMBB brand and have achieved significant numbers in a short amount of time.

“But, they all know that their brand and value will ultimately be decided between the white lines! That has always been the case here and it’s why our players have earned $3 billion in NBA contracts. The brand will always be WINNING!”

With the NBA Draft set for Thursday and both Isaiah Jackson and Brandon Boston expected to hear their names called, Calipari returned to Twitter Monday to celebrate “graduation week” and wish Jackson, Boston and Olivier Sarr well.

Calipari also shared Nate Sestina will join the Utah Jazz’s NBA Summer League team and Reid Travis will join the New York Knicks, summer squad.

“It’s graduation week,” Calipari exclaimed. “We’ll find out later this week where our guys are headed in the #NBADraft. We’ve had an amazing run of 13 straight drafts with a first-round pick — in most cases lottery picks — including my time at Memphis and that should continue this week.

“Excited for @IJackson22 and can’t wait for him to enjoy that feeling of walking up on that stage and having his dreams come true with his family. He’s only begun to scratch the surface and the team that drafts him is getting a bright future. Reminds me a bit of Pascal Siakam.

“I can’t wait to see where @sarr_olivier ends up. You’re talking about a stretch big with skills who can shoot the ball and brings a maturity about him that will fit in with any locker room. He has worked really hard the last few months and I believe he will be a steal.

“My advice to @NBA teams this year: Don’t pass on @bboston. I’ve said this before about other players and I don’t think I’ve been wrong. He is the guy teams will regret passing on if they don’t select him. He is going to have a great pro career.

“I feel bad for all of our kids being cheated out of last summer but @bboston probably suffered more than anyone else. The opportunity that we’ve had this summer for our kids to be coached and experience what @KentuckyMBB is all about would have made such a difference for BJ.

“And I’m not making excuses but when @bboston broke his finger, it set him back three or four months. He is really going to benefit by the consistent work he’s been able to put in the last few months.

“I’m also happy to report that @NateSestina23 and @2ReidTravis2 will get their shot. Nate is going to be playing in the NBA Summer League with Utah and Reid is going to be with the New York Knicks. Two guys with tremendous work ethics and maturity levels who will help any team.”