For Kentucky, annual Christmas dinner "more than just basketball"

@KentuckyMBB

Last night, Kentucky hosted Christmas dinner for some area families in need. Even though the program does this every year, John Calipari told reporters that seeing his players give back and bring smiles to people’s faces never gets old.

“Yesterday was a really special day for these players. We had Christmas for a bunch of families. They sang. They gave our presents. They met with the families. They served them food. They had conversations. They found out things about the families that kind of, you know – it kind of rocks you a little bit. It was a huge day for our players. I always look forward to the day because I want to see how our guys respond.”

The pressure and expectations that come with being a Kentucky Basketball player can be overwhelming, which is why Calipari is so grateful for opportunities like this to provide perspective.

“It’s a big day where your joy comes from you doing for someone else. It’s not what you’re gathering; it’s what you’re giving. I’m just telling you, it’s – for me to see it – one little girl had lost her mother in an accident, being raised by a grandmother. Another family, the father lost his job in the hallway before he walked in to have dinner. They just called him and said, ‘We’re laying you off.’ Now, it may have been a layoff for Christmas, I don’t know, but he’s able to enjoy this and have these players understand, only by the grace of God that’s not you or won’t be you. It has nothing to do with we beat Utah, we lost to Utah or who we have coming. It has nothing to do with that. This is one of those moments as a coach you get to teach more than just basketball.”

A reminder we could all use this holiday season.

It was a really special day for us yesterday. We had the opportunity to serve Christmas dinner, give out gifts and make life a little bit easier this time of the year for some special families. We are truly blessed to be in the position we're in. pic.twitter.com/QtqasnGeQA

— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) December 20, 2018

@KentuckyMBB

@KentuckyMBB

@KentuckyMBB

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