Kentucky’s John Calipari praises Gregg Popovich and Spurs: ‘People try to run from small markets. They don’t.’

Spurs Wire chatted with Kentucky coach John Calipari, who lauded Gregg Popovich’s role in building the small market San Antonio Spurs.

The San Antonio Spurs have been a part of professional basketball for decades, and are just one of two former American Basketball Association (ABA) clubs to win a title in the NBA. That said, it wasn’t until Gregg Popovich became the head coach of the Spurs in 1996 that the team went from plucky small market team to a bona fide pillar of the Association.

Popovich has led San Antonio to five NBA titles, earning three Coach of the Year Awards in that time. In that time, the Spurs have become one of the most decorated and respected franchises in the Association, despite playing in one of the smallest markets in the league. It’s a testament to team building and to Popovich’s leadership.

One person who understands this dynamic better than most is University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari. He himself has helped build a world class program down in Lexington, Kentucky, and is uniquely positioned to discuss how a figure like Popovich can influence a franchise.

Spurs Wire caught up with Calipari during Gregg Popovich’s induction weekend at the Naismith Memorial Basketball. He explained why Popovich’s biggest legacy is what the coach has helped build in San Antonio.