New UK Coach John Calipari let signee G.J. Vilarino down gently during a Wednesday telephone conversation. That led Vilarino and his family to decide it would be best to look for a new college program.
“He was a gentleman all the way,” the player’s father, Gerry Vilarino, said.
As the elder Vilarino recalled the conversation, Calipari said, “Look, I think your son is a very good player. He can play. . . . I’d prefer the bigger guards, 6-foot-5.
“I don’t want him to come here not having that understanding. He might be disappointed in how it turns out.”
When asked what message he heard, Gerry Vilarino said, “That tells me it’s probably not going to be a good fit.
“I have no ill feeling. The Kentucky experience for G.J. has been tough at times, exhilarating at times and now it’s disappointing.”
Vilarino has asked for his release. Through what his father called “back channels,” the player has heard about interest from schools in the Big 12, Big Ten and ACC.
“You have to feel you’re wanted,” Gerry Vilarino said.
Although signed by Billy Gillispie, Vilarino still hoped to play for Kentucky even after the school changed coaches.
“Pretty tough to deal with,” his father said. “He’s only 17 years old. It’s probably the biggest disappointment in his life. I told him, in everyone’s life, there’s going to be rain.”
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I feel for anyone with the heart and a desire to come to UK. Sometimes it is the heart of a person that overcomes what others may call sub-standard. Johnny Unitus was told he was “Too small” to play pro football but he had heart! There have been others who have done very well at other schools after not given a chance at UK. I wish you could have come but I wish you the best wherever you go.
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