John Calipari is the head coach. University of Kentucky A men’s basketball team with a history of over 10 years. But the Pittsburgh native has never forgotten his roots.
During a preview of the Wildcats’ first-round matchup against Oakland on Thursday night, Calipari spoke about his “blue collar” upbringing and what it means to return to Pittsburgh to open the season. March Madness.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari reacts after a play in the first half of a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide on February 24, 2024 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“How many of you are from Pittsburgh,” Calipari asked the media Wednesday, after mentioning some local colloquialisms. “Let me tell you something about Pittsburgh. When I was growing up, Pittsburgh was a blue-collar city. But the roots of what Pittsburgh is and what it is has never changed.”
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The veteran coach detailed his experience growing up in Pittsburgh and how it contributed to his winning mentality.
“We were all brought up the same way. Our fathers were workers and our mothers raised us with hopes and dreams and told us, ‘You can be anything.’ That was my mother. But we were all the same. It was a melting pot, and you thought, “There’s nothing in this world to give you, you have to go get what you want, and then you can work.” I was told that I couldn’t eat it.”
Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari gives instructions to his team during the first half of a game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Rupp Arena on February 13, 2024 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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He continued, “It’s a famous line: Don’t work, don’t eat, work. If you want to be better than someone else, you better work harder. That was Pittsburgh, and that was the greatest thing.” He continued.
Calipari called it a “special place,” and no doubt hopes that message stays with his players as they prepare to face the 14th-seeded team. Golden Grizzlies.
Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari speaks during practice day at PPG Paints Arena on March 20, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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According to the team’s website, during Calipari’s 14-season tenure, Kentucky won more tournaments (32), appeared in the Final Four (four), the Elite Eight (seven) and the Sweet 16 (eight). There is no program that records this.
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