With the NCAA’s decision to not grant student athletes in winter sports an additional year of eligibility, Nate Sestina’s Kentucky and collegiate career officially came to an end.
Sestina’s last game as a Wildcats was a 9-point, 6 rebound performance in the Wildcats win vs. Florida.
John Calipari took a moment Monday to send Sestina a message and share what he meant to the UK program.
“I’m so disappointed that I’m not going to have another year to coach Nate Sestina and have him in our program,” Calipari wrote on Twitter. “I know he’s disappointed and wanted to come back. He knew the chances weren’t great but that doesn’t make this hurt any less for him.
“Having said that, I’m proud of how Nate has handled the whole thing. He was hopeful but has had a great attitude on what that next step will be for him. Nate had an unbelievable season and helped us achieve the level of success that we did. He improved in so many areas and showed great veteran leadership through actions and performance. Our guys absolutely loved him.
“I’m going to miss seeing Nate in the gym every day but there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s helped himself and will have opportunities professionally if that’s what he chooses.”
