When life’s buzzer sounded, Coach John Calipari stepped up to make the game-winning assist. Kendra Randle, the cherished partner of New York Knicks’ standout Julius Randle, shared a gripping tale that transcends the boundaries of basketball courts.
Four years ago, faced with a critical medical emergency, Randle turned to his former coach for a play that could save a life. In a heartbeat, Coach Cal arranged for Kendra’s grandmother to be airlifted from a small healthcare facility in Kentucky to the UK hospital.
“Julius called Coach Cal and asked if there was anyone he knew that could get her transferred to UK hospital. 15 minutes later she was in a helicopter to UK, and I still to this day believe he saved her life,” Kendra recounted. The swift response from the coach underscored the profound bonds forged on the court.
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Let’s rewind to the 2013-14 season, the sole campaign that witnessed the dynamic partnership between Julius Randle and Coach Calipari at Kentucky. A young Randle flourished under Cal’s guidance, showcasing his prowess across 40 games with impressive stats: averaging 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Notably, he boasted a 50% field goal shooting and a 70% free-throw accuracy. That year, the Wildcats, brimming with talent, came tantalizingly close to an NCAA title.
The legacy of that remarkable team resonates in the NBA, with luminaries like James Young, the Harrison twins, and Willie Cauley-Stein following Julius’s path to the professional ranks.
From his days at Kentucky to his tenure with the Knicks, Randle’s journey has been defined by towering achievements and unwavering perseverance—earning three All-Star selections and clinching the Most Improved Player Award in 2021, among other milestones.
As Coach Calipari embarks on a new chapter at Arkansas after recently accepting the head coaching job, there’s no denying his status as a coach revered by players, just as Julius Randle can attest.
