The Kentucky Wildcats opened official practice Monday with a roster full of talent and renewed focus on chasing the program’s ninth national championship. Adding to the buzz, former UK star Rajon Rondo spent time in Lexington this week mentoring the team.
His involvement has energized both players and fans. Supporters across Big Blue Nation have quickly turned their excitement into a call for action, urging school officials to hire Rondo as part of the Kentucky staff.
Kentucky Fans Call for Rajon Rondo Hire After Mentoring Session
When talking about the greatest point guards to wear Kentucky blue, Rondo’s name is impossible to leave off the list. The Louisville native arrived in Lexington as a McDonald’s All-American in 2004 and immediately made his mark.
In 2004-05, he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, breaking the single-season school steals record with 87. In 2005, he averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game before heading to the NBA.
This week, on the opening day of practice, Rondo returned to Rupp Arena to address the current Wildcats. The two-time NBA champion shared what it meant to represent Kentucky and the responsibility that comes with it.
“For me personally, some of you may not know, I’m from Louisville, Kentucky, so, right up the street. I was born and raised here. For me to wear this jersey, it was everything for me,” Rondo said. He added that he chose Kentucky over Louisville because “playing for Tubby (Smith), it was an undeniable decision that I had to make.”
Rondo reflected on the program’s reach across the country.
“I played for a lot of great organizations from L.A. to Boston, and every chance I get, every time I’m out in public, it’s always Kentucky fans wherever you go. They’re the most loyal fans to this day.”
His return resonated with fans, who immediately called for Kentucky to add him to the staff. Comments poured in across social media:
“Hire that man!” wrote one supporter. Another added, “Rondo needs to be on the staff asap.” Others chimed in with “Coach Rondo loading…..” and “We may need you in the near future. You are so well spoken.”
Beyond his message of pride, Rondo stressed sacrifice and doing the little things.
“You’re going to get everyone’s best shot. Everybody is going to come in, from the exhibition games to the NCAA Tournament, so expect that. You play for each other and always listen to this man (Mark Pope), it’s always for the greater good of the team,” he said.
Rondo added, “Take yourself out of the equation, no matter what. Bad game, 0-6 (shooting), it’s, ‘Let me get down on the floor, let me get this loose ball.’ Do the little things on the floor, do the intangibles. That’s what I pride myself on.”
Rondo’s career speaks for itself. He played for ten NBA franchises, earned $116 million, and cemented his legacy as one of the sharpest basketball minds of his era. After officially retiring in 2024 and completing his degree in May, he remains tied to Kentucky. His mentoring session for the Big Blue faithful only clarified one thing: They want him back in Lexington for good.