President Obama Congratulates Calipari, UK on Hoops for Haiti

So we talked earlier today about the call that Barack Obama was going to place to John Calipari and his team.  Well, the call happened and the team was reportedly very nervous, understandably so. What a great honor for the team and what a great lesson that selfless actions can lead to great things.

Anyway, let’s hope this whole thing doesn’t distract the team too much heading into their game with South Carolina, but I’m not too worried given that this team is well versed in handling non-basketball stuff. Regardless of the effect on their play tonight, this kind of thing is great for the program. John Calipari can already cite LeBron James as involved in the program, but now he can add the President to his recruiting pitch.

Seth Emerson of the Herald-Leader has an article on the call that I encourage you to check out, but here is a pretty amusing account of the conversation, highlight by DeMarcus Cousins confident comment about a second interaction with the President: “What we really look forward to is seeing you at the end of the season.” Below is some video of the call and an article:

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The phone rang. Calipari looked around, then pushed the button.

A cheerful voice on the other end of the line said: “Hi it’s Katie Duncan calling for President Obama.”

Calipari hesitated a second, then smiled and said, “OK?”

The room laughed.

After about 30 seconds, a familiar voice came on the line.

“Well, man, I am honored to speak to the No. 1 team in the country, a few days after it happened,” Obama said.

Calipari thanked Obama for the call, mentioning the importance of the Hoops for Haiti program. Then he told the president he had a few players who wanted to speak to him. First was Patterson.

“Hey, Patrick!” Obama said.

Patterson thanked the president “on behalf of the team for what you’re doing for the whole country.” He said how much the Hoops for Haiti program meant, and added how much Obama’s leadership inspired them. Obama thanked Patterson in return.

At that point, Calipari jumped back in and said freshman John Wall wanted to speak.

“Hey! What’s going on All-Star!” Obama said. “I’ve been watching you.”

More laughter from the room, and a sheepish grin from Wall.

Wall then invited Obama to a game in Lexington, and “maybe a game of horse.”

Obama was ready:

“I’m not gonna play horse with you. I don’t want to lose, and then you’ll have bragging rights for a long time. But what we might do is have a little scrimmage. And I’m gonna make sure that you’re on my team. If you’re on my team, and Patterson … I’m gonna book it up so I’ve got a chance.”

Finally, freshman DeMarcus Cousins told Obama he hoped to see him at the end of the season.

“You know, the way you guys are going, that may happen,” Obama said, referring to a potential championship visit to the White House.