Keldon Johnson has been on a tear to start his NBA career. After getting selected 29th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, Johnson has remained with the Spurs for his entire career. Calipari posted a photo of himself and Johnson hanging out to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Calipari also shared some nice words of encouragement for Johnson, praising his former forward. Their relationship is still just as strong as the day Johnson joined the University of Kentucky.
John Calipari Is ‘Proud’ of Former Wildcat Keldon Johnson
“So happy for Keldon Johnson. The Spurs got a gem. The best!! Proud of him, and it’s only starting!!” Calipari posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, while sharing a photo of his time hanging out with his former forward at Kentucky.
So happy for Keldon Johnson. The Spurs got a gem. The best!! Proud of him and it’s only starting!! pic.twitter.com/mohR8i1xKF
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) April 4, 2025
Despite only playing for Kentucky for a short time, it’s safe to say that Calipari had enough of an impact on Johnson that Johnson wanted to remain in touch with his former coach.
When Johnson played for Kentucky from 2018-19, Johnson averaged 13.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Johnson also played a nice amount of minutes per game, averaging around 30 minutes. He also shot the ball roughly 46% from the field.
Johnson’s big claim to fame for the University of Kentucky was scoring 19 points and leading his team to a big win over the top-ranked Tennessee Volunteers in February 2019.
He also obtained a career-high of 17 rebounds in a big game against the Auburn Tigers. After making it to the Elite Eight, he declared for the NBA Draft following his freshman season.
In July of 2022, Johnson signed a 4-year/ $80 million rookie scale contract extension with the same team to draft him into the NBA. Calipari wasted very little time congratulating his former pupil in a post on Twitter.
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“Congrats to Keldon Johnson on his new 4yr/$80 million contract with the Spurs,” exclaimed Calipari via Twitter. “Draft night was tough to sit through, but I told him that night that it was a blessing that he went to the Spurs…and it has been! Just talked to his dad Chris today and couldn’t be happier for them!”
Johnson remains in close contact with Calipari, as seen on X. Despite teaching Johnson a lot about the sport of basketball, Calipari also remains one of his former pupils’ biggest advocates and fans.
It’s always heart-warming to see photos of coaches and their former players, and Johnson has made it known that he wouldn’t be where he is without Calipari’s guidance.
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