Kentucky's Jones, Calipari share bond after rant

By Colin Fly

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, April 1 2012 3:05 p.m. MDT

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Kentucky's Terrence Jones speaks during a news conference for the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball game as teammates Anthony Davis, left, and Doron Lamb, right, look on Sunday, April 1, 2012, in New Orleans. Kentucky plays Kansas in the championship game Monday night.

Morry Gash, Associated Press

Summary

There's more to Terrence Jones than "The Rant."

NEW ORLEANS — There's more to Terrence Jones than "The Rant."

Most fans assumed the talented forward was off to the NBA after Kentucky coach John Calipari's withering, 30-second tirade filled with cringe-inducing expletives was caught by cameras in a game last season.

Calipari apologized publicly, Jones stayed and the bond between the two is so tight now the sophomore calls his coach a "father figure."

The episode toughened Jones, who has dealt with more criticism this year from fans for periods of poor play and a finger injury that cost him two games.

Jones says he could have left last year and was comfortable with his draft status, but was more interested in winning a title.

He's got that chance now. Kentucky (37-2) faces Kansas (32-6) on Monday in the national championship in New Orleans.

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