The big news in the world of college sports on Wednesday was Mike Krzyzewski’s decision to retire as Duke head coach following the 2021-22 season.

The news broke Wednesday afternoon and was followed hours later by an official announcement from Duke, including the naming of Coach K’s successor. Now Kentucky head coach John Calipari has reacted to the news, sharing a statement Wednesday evening on Twitter.

Here’s what Coach Cal had to say:

“To think that November may be the last time I ever coach against Mike Krzyzewski is hard to believe. For as long as I can remember, Coach K has been synonymous not only with Duke but with college basketball. His benchmark of excellence for nearly 50 years has pushed all of us.

“Personally, he has challenged me as a coach and a recruiter. We have competed against one another because that’s what we do as coaches, but the respect I have for Mike and all that he has done for our game and coaches goes so far beyond the battles we have had on the court over the years. Our game is not what it is today without a lifetime of dedication and love Mike has put into it.

“I want to thank Mike for all that he has done for me personally and congratulate he and his wife, Mickie, on an unbelievable career. The bar he has set will go unmatched.”

Duke will be in the spotlight throughout Krzyzewski’s farewell season, but that Champions Classic meeting with the Wildcats is likely to be one of the biggest draws of the regular season.