Before he was Nickembe Mutombo. Before #PickNick signs filled John Calipari’s yard, Nick Richards struggled to find confidence on the basketball court. One phone call changed everything.
“Ringing endorsements from Palmer and McGruff. We #PickNick.” – @UKCoachCalipari
Two years into his Kentucky career, things had not gone according to plan for the former McDonald’s All-American. As his peers passed him by, Richards was filled with turmoil.
To snap the big man out of a funk, Kenny Payne turned to his friend, Worldwide Wes. The confidant of UK’s associate head coach connected Richards with Patrick Ewing.