Nate Sestina’s Kentucky career officially came to a close Monday when the NCAA announced their ruling to not allow student athletes in winter sports an additional year of eligibility.
Sestina and other players around college basketball had their season and now career, abruptly come to an end due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The graduate transfer from Bucknell was a steady leader for the Wildcats this season, mostly in a role off the bench.
John Calipari took to social media Monday night to thank Sestina for his dedication to the team and 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.”
Sestina’s reply was simple, but it’s true for all players that wear the Kentucky blue and white.
“All love coach,” Sestina wrote on Twitter. “Forever a Wildcat.”
