Coach Calipari's Memphis Press Conference - Notes

- It was difficult to leave the players and city that he loves
- He left because it was his dream to coach at Kentucky someday
- Players were angry that it happened, but not angry with Calipari
- He hopes that the program is better than it was when he arrived 9 years ago
- He has had many opportunities to leave, but never did; It was not about the money

He abruptly walked away from the press conference and walked into the house.

- Associate says this is very difficult for John; He will come back out when he regains composure
- He hopes the Memphis recruits will all stay at Memphis
- He does not mind being a second choice behind Billy Donovan
- Feels that the Memphis program will be just fine going forward
- Kentucky is, "one of those jobs that I would have left for."
- Says he was offered more money a month ago but rejected it because of the economic climate at the university (laying off professors, etc.)
- Talked to Rick Pitino for 5-10 minutes yesterday
- Going to Kentucky is easy; leaving Memphis is the hardest thing he's ever had to do