Former Kentucky star Aaron Harrison has zero hate for John Calipari amid Arkansas move: "I think it's all pretty cool"
John Calipari had become synonymous with Kentucky Wildcats basketball over the past 15 seasons. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer brought his tenure to an end as he departed the program to join the Arkansas Razorbacks this offseason.
Aaron Harrison, who spent two seasons playing under Calipari from 2013-15, revealed that he has no ill towards his former coach. Speaking to On3 Sports' Jack Pilgrim for KSR, the former Wildcats guard said:
"I mean, obviously – Coach Cal is my guy, obviously. He obviously changed my life and helped me a lot, so I obviously see and think about Kentucky. I put Coach Cal with that, obviously, because that’s how I’m so connected with it. But I think it’s pretty cool to have a new coach with new things moving on. I’m happy for Coach moving to Arkansas, so I think it’s all pretty cool."
Speaking on incoming Kentucky coach Mark Pope, Harrison added:
"I love Coach Cal obviously, but I am excited to see what Coach Pope can do and I’m definitely going to cheer for him. He seems like a great guy and I’m excited to meet him."
John Calipari led the Wildcats to a 410-123 record in his 15 years leading the program. Kentucky won their eighth championship in program history under the Hall of Fame coach in 2012. Meanwhile, Mark Pope has a 187-108 record in nine seasons as a coach, with stints leading the Utah Valley Wolverines and BYU Cougars.
What did John Calipari say about his departure from Kentucky?
John Calipari addressed his departure from the Kentucky Wildcats back in April in a video he shared on social media:
"Since our season ended, Ellen and I have spent a lot of time thinking about our time here at Kentucky. What it means to us, the friends we've made. On that court, regional championships, conference championships, Final Fours, the national title in 2012. It's been a beautiful time for us. This is a dream job. It was my dream job. Anybody in our profession looks at the University of Kentucky in basketball and said, that is the bluest of blue."
He continued:
"The last few weeks, we've come to realize that this program probably needs to hear another voice, that the university as a whole has to have another voice giving guidance about this program that they hear, and the fans need to hear another voice.
"We've loved it here but we think it's time for us to step away and step away completely from the program... It's been a dream what we've been able to do, but 15 years, time for another voice and you know I'm always going to be a fan."
Check out John Calipari's announcement that he is leaving the Kentucky Wildcats below:
Calipari's legacy with the Wildcats includes winning the aforementioned 2012 national title as well as reaching four Final Fours. He has also led the program to six SEC regular season championships and six SEC Tournament championships.
Calipari was also named Naismith College Coach of the Year and AP College Coach of the Year in 2015 while earning SEC Coach of the Year honors four times.