Jamal Crawford Stays in Talks for Kentucky’s Final Assistant Spot

Jamal Crawford remains in talks with Kentucky and Mark Pope for the final assistant coach spot. The former NBA guard has not closed the door on the job, and he is serious about getting into coaching. Kentucky is still pressing ahead even after Tyran Stokes committed to Kansas.

Mark Pope and Kentucky

Crawford’s situation is simple enough on the surface: Kentucky wants him, and he is still listening. He is serious about coaching, and the program’s pitch centers on a staff role that would add a former NBA All-Star with 20 seasons of playing experience.

That makes the pursuit more than a courtesy call. Kentucky already added Mo Williams earlier this offseason, and Pope has kept a direct line to Crawford as the staff looks to fill its final assistant coach spot.

Washington Ties

For Crawford, the pull is personal as well as professional. He credited his longstanding relationship with Pope, built through deep Washington ties, and he also pointed to Kentucky’s brand as a reason the job remains the only one he is seriously considering.

Other schools have expressed interest, but Crawford has not moved off Kentucky. That leaves the Wildcats still in the mix for a veteran voice who spent 20 seasons in the NBA and coached Tyran Stokes before Stokes committed to Kansas.

The remaining question is whether Kentucky can turn that interest into a hire. If it does, Pope would add a coach with direct NBA credibility and an existing connection to one of the program’s most important recruiting storylines.