John Calipari

As long as I'm at Kentucky, you've got to be able to take the shots, or don't stay at Kentucky. To be the coach at Kentucky and get what I get, you can't be a 35-year-old coach whose never been fired. I've been fired.

I'd love to be coaching kids three or four years. You kidding me? That's what I used to do.

I refuse to go in a home and paint a picture saying things like, 'If you come with us, you'll be taken care of for the rest of your life by the program and by our alums,' even though you may only be in school for a year or two. How preposterous does that sound?

My life, even as a college student, has all been through the NCAA, and I'm telling you there's so much good that comes out of it.

Let the D-League be for players who have been in the NBA, who are on the fringe, and that want to fight like heck to get in the NBA. They should have a living wage, not $17,000 to $25,000. A living wage.

My vision is one of celebrations and banquets, diplomas and banners, rings and parades.

If I have the choice between experience and talent, I'm taking talent every time.

Some of the best kids I coach were raised by a grandmother who was so firm that they understood.

I majored in business/marketing because I was going to be a teacher and a high school basketball coach.

Can I say this in a humble way - I don't need the money. If I stop coaching today at Kentucky, my toes are up, and I'm eating Cheetos, and I'm fine.

No one will steal my joy.

I want to thank all the assistants and staff who have worked for us over the years, as well as the people in the community who have added value to our lives.