LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) John Calipari plans to coach Kentucky for the rest of his career and to ensure the men's basketball program remains the ''gold standard'' of college athletics.
Calipari, 57, is entering his eighth season in Lexington but is often mentioned as a candidate for NBA coaching vacancies because of his success producing first-round draft selections - 19 during his Kentucky tenure. Former Wildcats forward Karl-Anthony Towns was last year's No. 1 draft pick and Monday was voted rookie of the year.
Calipari touted Kentucky's standing as college basketball's winningest program on his web site and says the next challenge is surpassing UCLA's record 11 NCAA championships (Kentucky has eight). He says he never thought he'd coach until age 60 but adds, ''I want this to be my final coaching position.''
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.