Jerry Stackhouse Explains Why Brad Calipari Was Perfect Fit for Vanderbilt

John Calipari enjoyed having his son, Brad, play for him at Kentucky but now they will be coaching against each other. (Vicky Graff Photo)

During the offseason one addition that Vanderbilt coach Jerry Stackhouse made to his coaching staff was hiring Brad Calipari, the son of Kentucky coach John Calipari, as director of on-court development.

Brad Calipari was a walk-on player at Kentucky for two seasons before transferring to Detroit Mercy to finish his career. He came back to UK as a graduate assistant and spent the 2022-23 season as the director of player development for Long Island University.

Stackhouse was asked at SEC Media Days in Birmingham Wednesday about the move and whether Brad Calipari had “spilled the beans” about the UK program since Vandy plays Kentucky twice each season.

“Brad, he spilled the beans on everything. We got it all. We got all the scouts and everything right now. We’re going to leave the Kentucky scout completely to Brad,” Stackhouse joked.

Then the Vanderbilt coach turned serious.

“He’s been great. I reached out once we had those on-court positions and trainers. I reached out to a guy I really trust, Michael Lancaster up in Grand Rapids. ‘Man, I’m looking to really get a skill guy. Do you have any names?’” Stackhouse said.

“He was like, ‘Man, I don’t know what your relationship is with his dad, but Brad Calipari is a really good skill guy. He kind of came through our program and what not.’

“So I brought him in, interviewed him. Just thought he was all about the right things. Obviously Coach reached out on his behalf, a couple other people that I really trust. Dwane Casey reached out on his behalf.”

However, it was about more than just recommendations that impressed Stackhouse.

“Brad is a guy on his own merit. He’s really worked his butt off. He’s doing a great job with our guys. We’re excited to have him a part of our staff,” Stackhouse said.