John Calipari planning tribute to Joe B. Hall

Kentucky will honor and celebrate the life of Joe B. Hall prior to today’s game vs. Tennessee. John Calipari has his own tribute in mind. During an interview on “College Gameday,” Calipari said he will coach with a rolled-up program in his hand, a Joe B. trademark. While it would be absolutely perfect to see the Cats open the game in Hall’s beloved 1-3-1 zone, Calipari said he didn’t have time to install it — which you know is making Joe B. laugh up in heaven.

“If I had more time to do it. We play at 1 p.m. I don’t know if I could do that to the kids but I will have a rolled-up program.”

Calipari visited Joe B. this week and was able to share one final special moment with his mentor.

“Even the last visit I had with him two days ago, he was smiling. He grabbed my hand and basically was like, ‘You’re going to be alright.’ It’s a sad day but, to be honest, and I talked to his family last night and this morning, I think he was ready. Ninety-three, had an unbelievable run. Resurrected this program. It was slipping and he brought it back. Family was always with him. So, it’s a sad day for this program and our fans.”

A sad day, but a life well-lived. And there’s nothing Joe B. would want more than a big win over the Vols, so let’s send him out right.

Didn’t catch the entire interview, but here’s Calipari reflecting on his last visit with Joe B. two days ago.

“He was smiling. He grabbed my hand and basically was like, ‘You’re going to be alright.’” pic.twitter.com/idAWD7tEyx

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) January 15, 2022