Kahlil Whitney focused on 'getting back in the good graces with the fans' with La Familia

Kahlil Whitney‘s career at Kentucky did not go as planned, finishing as John Calipari’s first half-and-done — topped only by Shaedon Sharpe a few years later as a none-and-done. Averaging just 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 18 games as a Wildcat, the former five-star recruit left the program in the middle of the season to pursue his professional options as he saw his role diminish.

When the going got tough, he decided it was a Coach Cal and UK problem, not a Kahlil Whitney problem. Before his stock totally hit rock bottom in college, he aborted the mission in hopes of salvaging his draft stock.

“At this time, after several conversations with my family and coaching staff, I regret to announce that I will be leaving the University of Kentucky,” Whitney said on January 24, 2020. “Like so many others, playing at UK had always been a dream of mine. I truly believed Coach Calipari and his program was the best fit to assist in preparing me for that next step in my basketball career. Unfortunately, my time at Kentucky has not gone as I had hoped, and I therefore need to make a difficult decision quickly to put myself back into the best position possible as I continue to develop and work towards my ultimate goal.”

He’d later go undrafted with the closest he’d come to NBA minutes being in the 2020-21 preseason with the Charlotte Hornets before being waived at the end of training camp and sticking with the team’s G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Whitney would spend two more years in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2021-23) and another brief stint with the Windy City Bulls (2023) before sticking overseas for the past two seasons in New Zealand and Mexico.

His most recent stops have been his best and most productive, but he’s comfortable admitting now that his pro career hasn’t been what he hoped when he left Lexington way back when.

“My journey as a professional — it’s been okay,” Whitney told KSR’s Mario Maitland.

Now, the former five-star is back in Lexington hoping to make things right with Big Blue Nation after the breakup, helping La Familia win The Basketball Tournament this summer. Making an impact in the blue and white again, maybe it sparks a resurgence in his professional career, too?

“Feels great, man. Getting love from the fans — BBN is great. Getting around the guys, some of the guys that played in the program and competing,” Whitney said of his return. “… I’ve been playing well (overseas), so I’m using this as a stepping stool to keep building my game, keep building and progressing, and getting back in the good graces with the fans and this program.”

Kahlil Whitney has been putting in the work early so far! #BBN pic.twitter.com/fq0z2dPuQk

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) July 12, 2025

Whitney made headlines back in May when he posted a picture of himself during his Kentucky days on TikTok with the words, “I probably just needed a hug, but instead I fell off mentally and had to gain it all back.” He added the following caption: “All I can say is enjoy your journey. Enjoy the ups and downs!! Staying on top of your mental health is key.”

Those words led to BBN wrapping its arms around him again, many responding, “Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat!”

He quickly noticed the support and expressed gratitude.

“Appreciate all the love man, [for real],” he said.

A few short weeks later, he was added to La Familia’s roster for TBT after working with GM Twany Beckham on joining the Kentucky alumni squad — something they nearly figured out last summer for the team’s first run in the event.

He’s always been interested, and now, he’s made it happen.

“I wasn’t surprised because (Beckham) — that’s my guy,” Whitney told Maitland. “He’s been talking to me since last year about joining TBT, it was just a matter of where I was gonna be. This year, I was fortunate enough to be able to leave my team in Australia and come here to join the team in Lexington. It’s been great.”

What does he want to prove while wearing the blue and white again? He can fill a role and help the team win games — only now, winning games can lead to a $1 million prize and a championship trophy.

“My role here is gonna be like any other team, being a glue guy and playing hard, doing what the coach and team needs me to do to win,” he said. “This is a little bit different with the amount of money on the line, so a lot of guys are ready to go, ready to play hard and make sacrifices for the team.”

Plenty of hugs to go around now with Kahlil Whitney back with Big Blue Nation in Lexington.

Welcome home, Dragon.

Kahlil Whitney talks about returning to Lexington to suit up for @LaFamiliaTBT !

“I’m using this as a stepping stool to keep building my game, keep progressing, and get back in good graces with the fans and this program.” pic.twitter.com/IaZiiKTqeS

— Mario A Maitland (@MarioMaitland_3) July 13, 2025