After 15 seasons with the Wildcats, John Calipari is in talks to take over as Arkansas’ coach. | Photo courtesy of UK Athletics
While we haven’t heard it from the horse’s mouth, Coach John Calipari is in talks to resign from his role with the UK Wildcats and take over the Arkansas Razorbacks.
In 2009, Calipari became UK’s head basketball coach in a move that would single-handedly redefine the program, and arguably all of college basketball. To commemorate his time, we’re taking a look back at his accomplishments during his tenure.
SEC Championships
The SEC men’s teams have historically made their presence known in the world of college basketball — and UK is no different. UK won six SEC championship titles during Calipari’s time, including a three-year consecutive streak.
2009-2010
2010-2011
2014-2015
2015-2016
2016-2017
2017-2018
NCAA tournament appearances
We all know what it means when the students take to State Street. This year alone, the Wildcats broke their own record for the most NCAA Tournament appearances (61) and is second behind Kansas for all-time wins.
Under Calipari, the Wildcats made it to the:
Sweet Sixteen in 2018
Elite Eight in 2010, 2017, and 2019
Final Four in 2011 and 2015
Runner-up in 2014
Winning the NCAA Championship in 2012
Players drafted into the NBA
Coach Cal’s “one-and-done” method, which sees many young players entering the NBA draft after one season, has been a key characteristic of his time at the school. No matter how you view it, the pipeline of UK players to the NBA has been nothing short of historical. Nearly 50 players have been drafted under Coach Cal, of which 31 were first-round picks. This includes some names you may have heard of like:
Anthony Davis
John Wall
Eric Bledsoe
DeMarcus Cousins
Devin Booker
...and many more.
Moments in pop culture
Speaking of John Wall, not only was Coach Cal’s time at UK chock-full of history-making basketball accomplishments, but its impact on pop culture was also felt with moments like:
Through the Lens: From Sublime to Subtle | Tuesday, April 9-Saturday, May 4 | 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center, 141 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Take in this photography exhibit that explores both the ordinary and extravagant aspects of life.
Wednesday, April 10
“King Coal” Screening | Wednesday, April 10 | 6-8:45 p.m. | The Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington | $0-$5 | Part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, this movie explores the complex history of the coal industry, followed by a Q+A with director Elaine McMillion Sheldon.
Thursday, April 11
“Un Verano Sin Ti” Crafternoon | Thursday, April 11 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lexington Public Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Join this listening party and recreate a felt plushie version of Bad Bunny’s iconic “Un Verano Sin Ti” album cover — registration is required.
Friday, April 12
Legends Fan Fest | Friday, April 12 | 5-9 p.m. | Lexington Legends Stadium, 207 Legends Ln., Lexington | Free | Help kick off the season + a new era of our baseball team with a live batting practice, player autographs, ballpark tours, live music, and drink specials — registration is required.
Saturday, April 13
Family Farm Days | Saturday, April 13, Saturday, April 20 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | $0-$16 | Meet new “farmily” members including lambs, chicks, and piglets, and enjoy activities like hay wagon rides, sheep shearing, and pony rides.*
The Kevin Harris Trio | Saturday, April 13 | 7-9 p.m. | Lyric Theatre and Culture Center, 300 E. 3rd St., Lexington | $15-$35 | You won’t be able to keep still at this swingin’ jazz show led by pianist Kevin Harris.
Sunday, April 14
Make a Mirror Twin Beer Can Candle | Sunday, April 14 | 12-4 p.m. | Mirror Twin, 725 National Ave., Lexington | $32 | Transform one of your favorite Mirror Twin Brewing cans into a vegan, spring-scented candle guided by the crew at Wick + Mortar Studio.
The proposed trail would run along Virginia Avenue, Red Mile Road, and Forbes Road. | Photo provided by Lexington Area MPO
ICYMI, plans for the new Campus to Commons Trail, which would connect North Lexington to the University of Kentucky campus area and feature new safety advancements, were recently released. The initial plans for the trail were designed with safety + accessibility in mind and will add a much-needed route to a growing part of town.
Now, city planners are looking for feedback about the plans from Lexingtonians. All you have to do is take a survey — simple enough.
Legacy Business Park has received a $10 million federal grant through Congressionally Directed Spending, which allows members of Congress to request funding for specific projects. Upon completion, the 200-acre complex is expected to add nearly 1,700 jobs and an annual tax revenue of $2.9 million.
Number
$2.1 million+. That’s how much DanceBlue raised during this weekend’s 24-hour dance marathon for Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic. This year’s record-breaking fundraiser brings the total amount raised to $22 million since its inception in 2006. (UK NOW)
Environment
Still carrying around those eclipse glasses? Don’t throw them away just yet. Donate them to Astronomers Without Borders (AWB), which sends the glasses for solar eclipses around the world. Drop your glasses off at Warby Parker in The Summit, and they will donate to AWB for you. (FOX 56)
Plan Ahead
Grab the wet wipes — Smiley Pete Publishing’s Bluegrass BBQ Fest returns to Moondance Amphitheater next month. Loosen your belt, bask in the sun with live music, and experience the finger-lickin’ fun May 17-18. Tickets are $10 for the weekend pass online, or $15 at the gate.
Try This
Did the solar eclipse leave you craving even more celestial beauty? Shaker Village and The Bluegrass Amateur Astronomy Club are hosting the first Astronomy in the Field course on Saturday, April 13 at sunset. Here, budding astronomers can use a variety of telescopes to study the night sky.
Asked
Did you know that it’s National Poetry Month? If you’re a poet and totally know it, try your hand at our LEXtoday Poetry Contest. The catch? You can only use words found in our Wednesday, April 3 newsletter. Learn more + submit your poem by Sunday, April 14.
Shop
Where can you find the perfect gift for the bourbon lover in your life? The retail shop at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, of course, which features a variety of bourbon-inspired products. Swing by the store after taking a tour of the distillery or shop the full store online.*
Home
Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*
Shop
Psst — When’s the last time you replaced your bath mat? Our favorite memory foam bath mat is on sale through the weekend.*
Soak in the sunsets with sips and socializing at Belle’s. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX
Later sunsets and longer nights can only mean one thing, nightlife in Lexington is back to bustling. Take to the skies, because we’re rounding up six rooftop bars + restaurants where you can sit back and take in those big blue views.
Belle’s Cocktail House, 156 Market St. First on the list was also the first rooftop bar in town. The bar features an impressive wall of bourbon, a hoppin’ nightlife atmosphere completed with Instagram-worthy exposed brick, and overlooks the Big Blue Building.
Dudley’s on Short, 259 W. Short St., #125 The perfect date night spot, Dudley’s offers an elegant, Southern-inspired dining experience. A table on this picturesque rooftop will have you immersed in greenery + basking in the glow of twinkling lights.
Infinity: Rooftop Restaurant + Bar, 150 W. Main St. Perhaps one of the tallest views on our list, Infinity is perfect for a working lunch or late-night sips on top of Lexington City Center.
I checked out Veteran’s Park for the very first time (I know, I know) over the weekend, and wow have I been missing out. My pup Archie and I loved exploring the rustic trails and taking in the views of West Hickman Creek.
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