DeMarcus Cousins Backs Rajon Rondo to Replace John Calipari as Kentucky Head Coach
The University of Kentucky’s coaching search following John Calipari’s resignation will be one of the greatest themes in men’s college basketball until the Wildcats select their new coach, and DeMarcus Cousins has an out-of-the-box proposal.
“I think the perfect hire for UK at this point would be Rajon Rondo,” he stated during an appearance on Bully Ball.
Cousins’ comments come after Rondo stated that he is now focusing on his kid but hopes to join the coaching ranks in the future.
“I honestly think Rajon would be the perfect guy for this situation,” Cousins said. “Obviously, he is a Kentucky boy. He was a Kentucky University player. He knows both perspectives perhaps better than anybody else will. And I believe that putting Rajon in that role will provide fantastic energy moving ahead. He’s superb at setting the standard and leading the ship. I don’t believe there is a better leader to guide Kentucky out of this situation than Rajon Rondo.”
Rondo played for the Wildcats for two seasons, from 2004 to 2006. He won an SEC regular-season title and progressed to the Elite Eight before being selected in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft.
Cousins also played for Kentucky in 2009-10, when he helped the team win the SEC regular season championship, the SEC tournament title, and an Elite Eight berth.
While Rondo has no coaching experience, he was seen as a leader on the court at times throughout his NBA career. The point guard was a four-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion who was known for his ability to set up teammates and defend well.
Kentucky is seeking for a new head coach after Calipari’s decision to leave for Arkansas. Rondo would be an intriguing choice considering his lack of experience, but he is a well-known name on the recruiting path and is familiar with the program.
