John Calipari shocked college and professional basketball after announcing that he would leave the University of Kentucky Wildcats after 15 years as a head coach.

That 15-year stint produced lots of good memories for the school and opened NBA doors for many aspiring basketball players.

While the decision is shocking, his former players only have love and support for the 65-year-old's next move.

John Wall, Brandon Knight, Karl Towns, Demarcus Cousins, and Bam Adebayo were among the first to express their moral support for their former coach through Instagram comments.

The Kentucky basketball program is well known for producing some of the best NBA players in the country.

Other notable players under Calipari are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, DeAaron Fox, and Anthony Davis.

Why is Calipari leaving?

In an Instagram video, Calipari explained his departure as a move to give another voice to the program.

"It's been a beautiful time for us. This is a dream job. It was my dream job," he said.

"Anybody in our profession looks at the University of Kentucky in basketball and said, that is the bluest of blue. The last few weeks, we've come to realize that this program probably needs to hear another voice."

"And the fans need to hear another voice. We've loved it here but we think it's time for us to step away. And step away completely from the program."

Calipari will sign with the Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team, whose last championship was in 1994.

Calipari led the Wildcats to one NCAA title and six final-four appearances.