Aaron Harrison Still Remembers the Love he got at UK

Aaron Harrison (2) is glad he’ll get to play with twin brother Andrew again in Rupp Arena next week. (ESPN Photo)

Aaron Harrison spent part of three seasons in the NBA after turning pro following his sophomore season at UK when the Cats went 38-1. He played in the G League and overseas following his NBA time and last season played for FC Porto in Portugal and helped his team win the Portuguese Basketball Cup.

He’s back in Lexington now to play for La Familia, UK’s alumni team, in The Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena. La Familia will play 305 Ballers Friday at 8 p.m. in Rupp Arena on FS2. If La Familia advances to the second round, it will face the winner of WoCo Showtime (Wofford Alumni) and The Nawf July 21 at 2 p.m. on FOX. The Lexington Regional championship game is July 23 at 9 p.m. on FS1.

Harrison said there’s no way to explain all the memories he has from his two years at UK when the Cats made the 2014 national title game and 2015 when UK was 38-0 when it lost to Wisconsin in the Final Four.

“Obviously hitting game-winners in the Final Four and in the tournament,” Harrison said about his best UK memories. “That’s probably the one that stands out the most to the public, but just everything at school, just how much love we got, how much support we got from everybody. Just things like that.”

Harrison said he has some contact with former teammates but it is not easy because they are “super busy” with their careers. He has stayed in touch with Alex Poythress, who also has played in Europe.

“I played with Alex a couple years ago. Obviously my brother (Andrew). I mean, that’s pretty much it. I would say those are the people I talk to the most other than here and there on Instagram saying happy birthday, how’s the family, things like that,” Aaron Harrison said.

Aaron and his brother, Andrew, who will also be playing with La Familia, were both recruited by coach John Calipari and returned to UK a second season rather than turning pro to spend a second season with him.

“I love coach Cal obviously, and I don’t think anyone can replace him,” Aaron Harrison said.  “But I’m excited to see what coach (Mark) Pope can do, and I’m definitely going to cheer him on. Seems like a great guy. I’m excited to meet him.”