Knicks star Jalen Brunson had a brief but empathetic response to the news that John Calipari is headed to Arkansas.
News of Calipari’s likely departure came late Sunday night, less than 24 hours before the NCAA National Championship Game at Arizona State, and shocked the college basketball world.
Branson was among those shocked by the news.
“What?” Branson Posted in X While reacting to the news posted by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Brunson played three years of college basketball at Villanova, which is well-documented given his close friendships with former Wildcats (now Knicks) teammates Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo. ing.
Knicks teammate Julius Randle is a Kentucky graduate who played one season with Calipari in Lexington.
Several fans responded to Brunson’s tweet, asking if he knew how Randle was taking the news.
Some urged Brunson to lobby former Villanova coach Jay Wright for the next job.
Wright is not expected to be a candidate for the position, but University’s Dan Hurley, Alabama’s Nate Oats and Baylor’s Scott Drew could be candidates.
News of Calipari’s pending departure gained attention late Sunday night. Shortly after CBS Sports reported that Calipari and Arkansas were in “serious negotiations” for the job, ESPN reported that the two sides were finalizing a five-year deal with a base salary of $1,000. Just under $8.5 million.
As of Monday night, no deal had been announced, nor were there any additional reports that a deal had been signed.
Calipari led the Wildcats to a 410-123 record in 15 seasons and helped them win the 2012 national title.
He replaces former Arkansas coach Eric Musselman, who resigned to take the head coaching job at USC.
In five seasons under Coach Musselman, Arkansas won the NCAA Tournament three times and advanced to the Elite Eight twice.
