John Calipari welcomed Tubby Smith back to Lexington last season and certainly will do the same when Kenny Payne brings Louisville to Rupp Arena to play. (Photo by UK Athletics)
The Kentucky-Louisville basketball rivalry is one that is extremely important to both fan bases and can bring out the best — or worst — on each side.
That’s why it is going to be interesting basketball-wise to see how the UK-Louisville rivalry goes now with Kenny Payne as the new Louisville head coach.
Payne is a former Louisville player but also a former UK assistant coach under John Calipari who was extremely popular with Kentucky fans and players. Payne’s presence won’t stop UK fans — or Calipari — from wanting to beat the Cardinals but it could take some bitterness out of the annual Battle of the Bluegrass.
Payne was on CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein’s podcast this week and said as much as both head coaches will want to win the UK-Louisville game, it will not change their friendship.
“Cal is a friend, a mentor, a person that I’ve learned so much from and I love him as a person and his family, Ellen, Brad, and the girls. But also, we both are competitive men. We both want a culture of winning,” Payne told Rothstein.
“And that in no way will be, from my side or his side, I don’t believe — it won’t be the negative hatred for John Calipari from me. It’ll be a game that I’m going try to do everything in my power to help my team win and he’s going to do the same. I hope I win by one, but we’ll see how that goes and regardless of what happens, we’re going to give it our best shot.”
Calipari praised Payne when he left his staff two years ago to join the New York Knicks and was quick to congratulate him after he got the head job at Louisville. Payne said Calipari reached out to him about the “unbelievable job” that could be his at Louisville.
Calipari told Payne that Louisville had “great tradition, great facilities” and was a “basketball school” that he already called home.
“You’ve got to seriously consider it and I hope you take it, for you and for that community.’ He was one of the first people to do that and say that to me,” Payne said about Calipari.
5 Responses
I love Kenny Payne! He is one of my favorite players who did not wear a UK uniform. I met him when he was on a recruiting trip to UK. He was with Richard Madison and Leroy Bird(that one is a little foggy I hope I spelled it right). We had Rex Chapman and Ed Davender as guards at the time. I asked him what position he played and he said guard. I looked up at him and asked who’s position he thought he could take between those two. And his response was "anyone of them I F’in want". I love that kind of attitude. I was crushed when he signed with UL. Hatred of UL has changed to dislike since Big Pimpin got fired but I will always Love Kenny Payne. I won’t cheer against UL now but I won’t cheer for them either. I do wish him success though! ! He is a good man.
I know this will rub most here the wrong way but he also states that he is a "Players First Coach". Which I appreciate. I wish him only the best (except once a year)
Great story UKFMLY
Thanks Larry. I was lucky enough to talk with Kenny at the Last BBM Campout(I hope they bring it back for that reason among others) and he remembered the conversation. I am not going to say where I saw him at on that recruiting trip but it was well after midnight. When I reminded him of our 1st meeting he gave me a knowing grin and said "Damn you got a good memory" I had almost forgotten that night". We both laughed and fist bumped as I said yes, yes I do.
That is just one of the many conversations that the BBM campout has afforded my wife and I over the years. From Coaches to players past, present and future. They need to bring the BBM Campout back. IMO
That grin by Kenny Payne is hard not to love
I’ll pull for them in all games with the one exception.. Payne is a class act.