Sometimes, it’s not about how much time you spend with someone but the connection you make. Take John Calipari and Karl-Anthony Towns, for example. Towns was at Kentucky for just one season almost a decade ago, yet here we are. Both heavyweights made big career moves this summer but are still finding time to rib each other like old pals. 

After Arkansas’ win in the Jimmy V Classic, Calipari strolled into his post-game presser mid-call with Towns, his former Kentucky Wildcats star. Cal didn’t miss a chance for humor and gave Towns a playful roasting in front of the press. “I told you, you’re a good guy to shoot a three. You won a game last night shooting threes,” he said.

“But you couldn’t guard pick-and-roll defense then, and you still can’t!” Calipari added, “You know I love you, brother. You’re the best.” The conversation was dripping nostalgia and a little nod to Towns’ recent clutch performance. And Towns did kind of steal the show.

Back in action after a one-game absence due to a sore right knee, the hooper dropped 24 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the Knicks’ 113-108 win over the Raptors. He sealed the deal with a layup and a dagger three-pointer in the final 36 seconds of the game was the highlight.

Even though his three-point shooting was a bit off early on, he came through when it mattered most. And knowing Calipari, you can bet he was watching with pride (and a bit of that ‘I taught him that’ energy). But honestly, it’s wild to think it’s been nearly ten years since Towns was part of that incredible 2014-15 Kentucky team. 

Led by Calipari, the Wildcats went unbeaten until the Final Four, where they fell to Wisconsin. Towns was just a freshman then, playing alongside future NBA stars like Devin Booker and Trey Lyles. Calipari’s one-and-done system may have been controversial, but it worked. In a way, he was churning out NBA talent year after year.

For Towns, that single year in Lexington shaped his career and gave him a lifelong mentor. “It’s a brotherhood,” Towns said recently. “Cal made it a brotherhood. When you go to the University of Kentucky, you’re stepping into a family for life.” That bond runs deep. Fast forward to now, this year marked major transitions for both men. 

New chapters, same bond! John Calipari and Towns embrace change together

After 15 years as a Wildcat, Calipari took over as head coach at Arkansas and Mark Pope took the reins at Kentucky. The decision came after a rough few seasons for the Wildcats. Kentucky hasn’t made the Final Four since that 2015 run, and Cal’s relationship with the administration had reportedly grown strained. 

While his departure was bittersweet, he clearly needed a fresh start. “It’s weird not seeing him on the sidelines at Rupp Arena,” Towns said back when the coach left Lexington. “He was more than just a coach to us. He was like a father. We just want to see him do amazing things.”

On the flip side, Towns left Minnesota after nine seasons, joining the Knicks in a three-team trade. It was a tough pill to swallow for the 4x NBA All-Star, who had only ever known life with the Timberwolves. But Calipari had some positive messages for him. “I told him, ‘Don’t worry about all the other stuff. The Knicks are perfect for you. Move on. It’s a new chapter.’”

Despite these major moves, the bond between Calipari and Towns remains as strong as ever. They’ve both embraced new opportunities and will keep cheering each other on, no matter where life takes them. Let’s see how they thrive in their new roles!