The Caliparis made their way back to Lexington, and the occasion was a special one. While they’re no longer directly tied to the Kentucky Wildcats, Karl-Anthony Towns certainly still is especially now, as he joins the UK Athletics Hall of Fame. They wanted to be there to share in his milestone moment.
Ellen and Brad Calipari were spotted at the Central Bank Center, mingling with old friends and familiar faces before Towns took the stage. The former No. 1 pick of the 2015 NBA Draft reflected on his time at Kentucky and spoke about what it meant to don the iconic blue and white.
Coach Cal himself, however, hadn’t been seen yet.
Confirmation soon followed that John Calipari had returned to Lexington as well. The Arkansas coach was spotted in photos alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, his father Karl Towns Sr., Kenny Payne, Rock Oliver, and Ellen and Brad Calipari.
It may not have been at Rupp Arena, but the reunion in Lexington brought everyone back together this time with the Hall of Fame coach in red, celebrating his Hall of Fame player in blue.
Calipari took to Twitter to share his excitement: “So happy for Karl and his family on his Hall of Fame induction! Ellen and Brad got to attend the induction and I just made it up with Kenny to celebrate with them after! Proud of you Karl and so glad we could be here to support and celebrate with you!”
It was a fitting moment of pride and nostalgia, as coach and player reunited in Lexington to honor Towns’ special milestone.
During his Hall of Fame speech, Karl-Anthony Towns made it a point to honor both Ellen and Brad Calipari. He reflected on Ellen’s role as a mother figure during his time in Lexington, providing support when he couldn’t be with his own family.
Towns also spoke from the heart about how Coach Cal’s wife stepped into that role even more deeply following the tragic passing of his mother, Jackie Cruz-Towns, in 2020. Her care and presence, he said, helped guide him through an incredibly difficult time.
By highlighting those relationships, Towns emphasized that his Kentucky family extended far beyond the court, carrying immense personal meaning alongside his basketball legacy.
Karl-Anthony Towns grew emotional as he spoke about Ellen Calipari during his Hall of Fame speech. He explained that while his mother, Jackie Cruz-Towns, couldn’t be there physically, she was preparing his “next home in heaven.”
He credited Ellen for stepping into that vital role during his Kentucky years, providing the love, care, and comfort he needed while his own mom was back in New Jersey. Towns said he always felt like he still had a mother close by thanks to her presence.
“Every boy needs that bond,” Towns shared, noting how Ellen gave him the hugs, attention, and warmth only a mother can provide. He expressed his deep gratitude, saying he’ll always appreciate the love she poured into him during that time.
Towns also took time to recognize Brad Calipari during his speech, calling him a true brother during his time in Lexington. He thanked Brad for being there when he needed support most, offering friendship and loyalty throughout his college journey.
The 2015 No. 1 NBA Draft pick was one of six Wildcats honored in the UK Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Alongside Towns were Abbey Cheek-Ramsey from softball, Makayla Epps from women’s basketball, Doug Flynn from both basketball and baseball, Sonia Hahn from women’s tennis, and Josh Hines-Allen from football.
Together, the group represented the rich history and diversity of Kentucky athletics, each bringing their own legacy of excellence to the stage. Towns’ heartfelt words, paired with his induction, made the night especially meaningful for both him and the extended Kentucky family.
It’s an impressive class, and Karl-Anthony Towns now takes his rightful place among Kentucky’s legends. For the Caliparis, it meant setting aside any awkwardness of returning to Lexington outside of basketball to stand with him on his big night.
Big Blue Nation can rest easy, though. New Kentucky coach Mark Pope also made sure to share the moment, welcoming Towns to practice earlier in the day and then showing up at the Hall of Fame celebration. It was a fitting gesture of support for one of UK’s all-time greats.
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