Nets Host Wildcats at PNY Center

While the Nets were in Cleveland and Orlando the last two nights, the sounds of basketballs bouncing, whistles blowing and coaches yelling could be heard at the PNY Center.  John Calipari, who knows something about the building, had his Kentucky Wildcats running up and down his old team's practice court.

Calipari, whose kids will be playing at the Prudential Center Friday, needed a place to practice and called Brett Yormark and Bobby Marks about bringing his squad to East Rutherford. Yormark, a big fan of Kentucky basketball, readily agreed. 

Calipari in fact has said he hopes Kentucky will be the first college team to play at Barclays Center in 2012. 

In the meantime, he's reminiscing about his time in New Jersey, including the decision not to draft a high school player from suburban Philly named Kobe Bryant.  As often happens with Calipari, recollections differ.

• John Calipari got a dose of humility before in New Jersey - Art Stapleton - The Record
• Game-changing decision - Dan Wetzel - Yahoo! Sports
• Kobe or not Kobe? Cal made fateful call - Ian O'Connor - ESPN New York