TJ Beisner to leave Kentucky basketball program before season begins

Kentucky basketball’s Director of Player Development TJ Beisner will be leaving the program at the end of the week, he announced, via KSR.

Beisner was a member of John Calipari’s staff for the past five years, and spearheaded the UK basketball program’s NIL ventures. Particularly, he helped younger players build relationships and navigate NIL to help put them in the best position to earn money while on campus.

Prior to his role with the men’s basketball team, he served as UK Athletics’ director of digital media and content development for UK Sports & Campus Marketing and worked as an editor for Calipari’s CoachCal.com.

Beisner penned a message on social media to the student-athletes he’s worked with over the years in his position at Kentucky. He attempted to reach out personally with as many of his players he could, but used the statement to thank any he may have left out while also reminded them that if they need anything, he is there for them, “Today, tomorrow, twenty years from now,” he said.

He also shouted out Kentucky head coach John Calipari during the message, calling him the GOAT in the process.

“You’ve always seen the best in me and challenged me to believe in myself. What I’ve learned from you could fit into 100 books,” Beisner wrote. “I walked into your world five years ago wondering what to expect and worried that you might be a little crazy. All these years later, I now KNOW you’re a little crazy but you’ve become my brother for life.

“You, Ellen, Erin, Megan and Brad have treated our family like your own and we are grateful for every single one of you and your kindness. We might be moving, but we aren’t going away! Thank you for everything!”

Calipari has since responded to Beisner’s announcement, calling him Calipari’s “trusted lieutenant,” and that he couldn’t be happier for him and his family.

“TJ ended up being the jack of all trades and I’m going to miss our morning calls and my keep-me-up-to-date calls. But he’ll always have me in his corner!” Calipari tweeted.

As Beisner moves on, Calipari looks to get his new-look group prepared for what fans are hoping will be the season where Kentucky wins their first title in over a decade. That effort will tip-off on Nov. 6 when the Wildcats host New Mexico before taking on Kansas eight days later in the annual Champions Classic.

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