Who knew, current Kentucky head men’s basketball coach John Calipari is also the head coach of the Dominican Republic’s national basketball team. Calipari set up a scrimmage between the Dominican Republic team and a team of eight former Kentucky stars. The Dominican Republic team defeated the team of Kentucky stars 106-88 tonight.
Some of the NBA players on the Dominican Republic’s roster include Francisco Garcia, Al Horford and Charlie Villanueva.
Team Kentucky featured Rajon Rondo, Tayshaun Prince, DeMarcus Cousins, Jodie Meeks, Nazr Mohammed, Eric Bledsoe, John Wall, and Keith Bogans.
Garcia led the way for the Dominican Republic scoring 30 points; Edgar Sosa added 29 points. Horford added 13 points. Cousins led Kentucky with 28 points.
The Dominican Republic hopes to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London. In order to make the Olympics they need to do well in the 2011 FIBA Americas Championships, which begin August 30th. Calipari wants to make sure his team is ready to face elite competition, so what better than a tune up game against some ex Kentucky stars. The teams will play again tomorrow, but this game will take in all places of Louisville.
The highlight of the night might have been the alley oop dunk by former Kentucky star John Wall (video below). Wall was the first pick in the NBA draft a year ago.
Tags: Kentucky