Rajon Rondo working toward joining Kentucky coaching staff in 2023-24

When discussing the best point guards in Kentucky basketball history — in the 21st century, at minimum — it’s impossible to find a list that doesn’t include Tyler Ulis and Rajon Rondo. Two of the most gifted floor generals to ever take the floor inside Rupp Arena, dynamic two-way threats with second-to-none playmaking abilities.

The former is already on staff, joining as a student assistant this past semester, a move John Calipari has had in the works since the offseason. With his playing career put on pause due to injuries suffered in a serious car accident, Ulis decided to return to school and take classes while also beginning his coaching career. He’s now an active member of the staff, working with the team in practice and sitting on the Kentucky bench during games.

Calipari likes how things have worked out, both sides benefitting tremendously from the move. It’s led him, KSR has learned, to begin working toward adding yet another student assistant to the mix in Rondo.

You may have been wondering why the two-time NBA champion, four-time NBA All-Star and former SEC All-Freshman Team member was back in Lexington for the team’s matchup vs. Kansas this past weekend, honored as the ‘Y’ at midcourt in the second half.

Tonight’s ‘Y’ at Rupp Arena…

Rajon Rondo! pic.twitter.com/X4GkrHezdJ

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) January 29, 2023

Rondo wasn’t just making a pitstop in Lexington for the high-profile matchup, sources tell KSR. The former Kentucky standout is actually back on campus taking classes and hanging around the basketball offices. And the plan is to stick around, with Rondo in early conversations with John Calipari about joining the staff — like Ulis — as a student assistant next season.

The 16-year NBA veteran, known as one of the most gifted basketball minds in the sport, must be considered a full-time student with at least 12 active credit hours to be eligible for the role. That process has already begun, with Rondo currently taking classes at the University of Kentucky as he works toward his degree.

It’s still early in the process, but his time around the team and on campus is not a coincidence. There is mutual interest in a pairing for the 2023-24 season.