When John Calipari reflected on something John Chaney taught him as he reviewed his warm exchange 25 years later

John Calipari became involved in a heated exchange when his Umass team defeated the John Chaney Temple 56-55 in February 1994. During the post-game press conference, Chaney threatened to “kill” his counterpart without problems and other coaches, while creating a little sports environment.

Over the years, Calipari and Chaney reconciled and became friends. In February 2019, 25 years after its overwhelming exchange, Calipari explained a significant lesson he learned from Chaney.

“The only thing John Chaney taught: If you obsess with another coach, lose,” Calipari said through the NY Times. “So every time I see coaches obsessed with me, my whole thought process is:” They are losing. ”

“Because I will not be obsessed. My thing, at this moment, is that, unless someone does it personal, I will not do it.

Chaney received a party suspension for his actions in February 1994. However, his punishment would probably have been much more serious in the present time in the midst of the strict NCAA rules.

John Chaney explained how John Calipari became friends after his infamous confrontation

In an interview with The Daily Hampshire Gazette in 2013, John Chaney said he did not hold any squad with John Calipari, who was the Kentucky Coach at that time.

“Very prefer to laugh and pick up my ** about it because they continue to show -on television,” Chaney said. “I don't mind where I go, someone hurts me,” I'll kill you. “

Chaney collected a record of 741-312 in his university training career before retiring in March 2006. He was introduced to the College Basketball Fame Hall at the end of this year. Chaney died on January 29, 2021.

In the meantime, Calipari continues to train. Will enter their second year to Arkansa In the 2025-26 season.