Julius Randle says John Calipari is a "real one" for pushing him to NBA

John Calipari hasn’t ever been shy about his priorities during the NBA Draft process. If you’re a clear lottery talent, the Hall of Fame coach would rather rip up your scholarship at Kentucky than let you return if it means you get to provide your family generational wealth and achieve your professional dreams.

Former Wildcat star Julius Randle is one of many examples, the current New York Knicks forward explained with Paul George on Podcast P. He discussed his time in Lexington during the 2013-14 season and the heartbreaking conclusion of his career, Kentucky losing to UConn in the national title game.

After the loss, Randle says Calipari told him a return to UK for a sophomore campaign wasn’t an option. And for that, he’ll always have respect for his former coach. It’s exactly what he was pitched during his high school recruitment, following through on his promise of helping him reach his dreams.

“That’s what it is, bro. Like, (Calipari) is gonna tell you that when he come in your living room. Like, ‘I’m not trying to keep you here’. And I can respect that,” Randle said. “Like, (he says), ‘I’m trying to prepare you for the next level. As a person but as a basketball player as well.'”

Randle recalls the conversation he had with Calipari back at the hotel in Dallas following the loss in the title game. With players fighting through tears and emotion, their coach met with each player and talked over their future plans.

For Randle specifically, he was told there was ‘no reason’ to come back to Lexington. From that moment on, Calipari felt his focus should be on the draft.

“It’s funny, man, because Cal can’t help himself but to be real, bro. We played in the national championship that year, right? We lost. So I’m hurt,” Randle said. “We go back to the hotel and he brings everybody in and says, ‘Alright, I’m gonna meet with everybody individually tonight. Just talk about your future and stuff.’ So we meet with him and I meet with him that night. And he’s like, ‘Bro, don’t even think about coming back. I’m telling you. There ain’t no reason for you to come back, I’m not letting you come back. If you want to stay here in Dallas? Stay here in Dallas. But you’re not coming back.’”

The respect was clear.

“He’s not trying to hold you back at all,” he added. “He’s definitely a real one. Shoutout to Cal, man.”

Randle was rewarded for his efforts. After averaging a double-double in his lone season at Kentucky, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. From there, the two-time All-Star has earned over $200 million as a pro.