Rajon Rondo has been coming full circle since the start of spring. Indeed, 19 years after his time at Kentucky, where he spent two seasons (2004-2006), the former leader of the Celtics and Lakers is back on campus, to continue his studies and complete his university course.
A competitor at heart, Rajon Rondo wanted to set a good example for his two children, aged 11 and 16, and be able to receive his diploma before it was their turn to throw away their mortarboard!
“I wanted to educate myself. I haven’t officially retired yet, but I have taken a few years off. So I wanted to train myself and be an example for my children, because they are in school and I want to graduate before them,” he slipped to Kentucky Sports Radiowhile he will be inducted into the University Athletes’ Hall of Fame.
Willing to lend a helping hand to the next generation
A healthy emulation and a return to his roots which could end up bringing him back to where it all began, on the Wildcats bench, alongside John Calipari.
The rumor has already been circulating since this winter, and even if there is nothing official yet, the person concerned declared himself enthusiastic at the idea of lending a hand to his alma mater. He could thus become a student assistant (as Tyler Ulis recently did) while he obtains his diploma. Even if for the moment, that’s all he has on his mind.
“I’m not officially retired yet, so I don’t know yet (laughs)”he added. “For now, I am enjoying time with my children and am back in school, where I will soon finish my degree. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
John Calipari has already done what is necessary to try to bring him closer to his group, aware of the contribution that his experience could constitute for his players.
“I can’t wait to see them, I can’t wait to get closer to them. I will try to give them my opinion as much as possible. Coach Cal called me right before I arrived, I told him I was happy to be there and to listen to these young guys.”
