John Calipari thanks fans for welcoming Kenny Payne back to Rupp Arena

As expected, Kentucky took care of business vs. Louisville today, but the most heartwarming moment took place before the game even began. As the teams came out for introductions, John Calipari and Kenny Payne met at midcourt to shake hands for the first time as head coaches of opposing teams. The handshake turned into an embrace, with many fans getting to their feet to applaud Payne, an assistant on Kentucky’s staff from 2010-20.

After the 86-63 win over the Cards, John Calipari started his postgame press conference by thanking fans for giving Payne a warm welcome.

“It shows the kind of fans that we have. It shows the respect and it was just like — I said, only at Kentucky would that happen. And it didn’t happen before, but it happened with Kenny. People know what he did here, the work he put in and how much time he spent with the kids, and let me just say this, I know we won the game, but his team is getting better. There’s no one that I would want running a program. Knowing it if were my son, I want him to play for Kenny. So, I just felt I needed to say that.”

Calipari said the same thing to start his postgame radio appearance.

“I’ve first got to tell everyone listening, the ovation that you gave Kenny Payne is one of the classiest things that I’ve seen. And that’s why I say we’ve got the best fans. For you guys to realize what he did here, knowing that he’s a Louisville player, won national titles there, came here and worked hard and loved on the kids. He’s getting his opportunity. And they introduce him and that ovation? Like, it just tells you.”

Calipari compared it to the ovation the Rupp Arena crowd gave Texas A&M’s Elston Turner when he scored 40 points back in 2013.

“This group of people started giving him like a standing ovation when he walked off the court. Because you respect great basketball and you respect people. It’s not just about a win or a play. It’s more than that with our fans.”

If you weren’t in Rupp Arena, you can see the moment below.

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