WATCH: John Calipari congratulates Julius Randle on first NBA All-Star Game

Still via @NYKnicks

How about a smile this afternoon? Last night, Julius Randle was named to his first-ever NBA All-Star Game as a reserve for the Eastern Conference, an honor seven seasons in the making. We’ve already shared some great videos, including Randle addressing the fans at Madison Square Garden after hearing the news and his mother’s emotional message that played on the jumbotron, but here’s another. The Knicks posted this video of John Calipari congratulating Randle, which is just the pick-me-up you need right now.

.@UKCoachCalipari called in to show love to the #NBAAllStar 💙 pic.twitter.com/fXCNK82Ocm

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 24, 2021

Calipari also congratulated Randle and Anthony Davis, who will making his eighth NBA All-Star appearance, on social media.

I’m so happy for Anthony Davis and Julius Randle! Both know winning matters and it drives everything they do. I couldn’t be more proud of both.

I’m always amazed when I look at Anthony. He has become a true superstar. When it’s all said and done, he’ll be one of the best to ever play. What I love about him is he has never changed. He stays in touch and always reminds me how much he appreciates his time at UK.

You won’t find many tougher than Julius. I remember when he broke his leg his rookie season. Adversity builds you or breaks you, and in Julius’ case, it made him stronger and more resilient. Julius is all about winning and has done whatever it takes to win with the New York Knicks.

My only disappointment with the #NBAAllStar selection is we didn’t have more. I think we could have had as many as six guys with the way #LaFamilia is playing. Some of them really deserved to be in that game. We may end up getting one or two more in if someone can’t play in the game.

[@UKCoachCalipari]

Translation: quit snubbing my guys, especially Devin Booker.