Arkansas’ John Calipari congratulates former NBA player joining the T’Wolves’ coaching staff
John Calipari is always the first to celebrate the accomplishments of his players, coaching staff members and friends. So, when former NBA player Joey Dorsey signed a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Calipari ensured to let the basketball world know.
Calipari took to X to thank the NBA franchise for their support and then commended Dorsey for his camaraderie and dedication to winning.
Joey Dorsey was a star player for the Memphis Tigers during John Calipari’s last years with the program. He played four seasons with Calipari and churned out 8.5 points (61.4% efficiency), 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 steals in his career-best 2006-07 season.
He was also a key contributor in Memphis' first-ever NCAA finals run in 2008, led by the nation's favorite Derrick Rose.
Dorey was picked in the 2008 draft, a year before John Calipari left the Tigers. He was a journeyman throughout six NBA years, playing for the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets.
However, he found the most success when he launched an overseas career, lifting the EuroLeague and Greek League trophy in 2012 alongside the best defender and All-Greek League defensive team honors.
After his last stint in 2021, Joey Dorsey returned to his alma mater as a volunteer coach to Penny Hardaway’s coaching staff. Since then, he has impacted the development of young players.
Dorsey is now part of the Timberwolves staff and will operate as a player development assistant on a two-year contract.
John Calipari lands a late recruit at Arkansas
John Calipari’s Arkansas is welcoming three-star recruit Casmir Chavis out of Minnesota.
The 6-foot-2 guard initially had plans to join the Huskies in Washington but de-committed due to a coaching change at the program. He now joins three other high school recruits (Billy Richmond, Boogie Fland and Karter Knox) in Calipari’s first recruitment class with the Hogs.
Chavis’ decision to join the Razorbacks stems from the development program in Calipari’s staff and his knack for generating NBA-caliber athletes.
Even though Arkansas has just one returning player this year (Trevon Brazile), it is unclear if Chavis will be granted significant court time in his freshman season.