John Calipari had an opportunity to leave Kentucky for the Cleveland Cavaliers and he says he would have likely stayed in Lexington even if he had known LeBron James would eventually join him.

"Now, obviously coaching at Kentucky is special," said Calipari. "It is unique and special. But this, for me, becomes about these kids. I have no desire, nor am I out looking for (jobs). I got the job. I got the job. What would move me to stay was these kids need me here. That's what I'm doing. At the end of the day, that was what (kept him at UK). It wasn't money."

Calipari was "not as (close) as everybody thought" to leaving for the NBA.

Calipari says James' decision wouldn't have played a factor.

"No. No. I don't think so. Because he and I have a great relationship, but it's not based on me coaching him," Calipari said. "We've got a relationship. I've known him for years and years. We've always been friends. But it was never based on that. I've said that. I've had a chance to coach Derrick Rose, John Wall and DeMarcus (Cousins), Anthony Davis and Michael (Kidd-Gilchrist). And I'm leaving names off, but I've coached some of the best players in basketball, and it is a thrill. There's nothing better than that. Especially when those guys are all good guys.

"Well, LeBron is also that kind of player and that kind of person. But again, leaving guys who made decisions based on what's right for their career was something I couldn't have gotten by anyway."

Nerlens Noel credits Rajon Rondo for being the biggest help in recovering from a torn ACL.

Noel and Rondo each played collegiately at Kentucky.

"With all the support and love, certain guys, especially Rajon Rondo -- he was definitely the biggest helper through this whole process, he actually gave me his phone number and told me I could hit him up whenever about it. Being from Boston, watching him growing up, and he went through it and he came back as strong as possible, actually before me, so it gave me a lot of confidence, having his good faith."

Noel will begin his rookie season one year after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers.