Former NBA Champion Among Former Student-Athletes Graduating at Kentucky

Rajon Rondo returned to Rupp Arena this week, not to command the court with his signature vision and defense, but to cross the stage and accept his college diploma.

The former Kentucky Wildcat point guard and two-time NBA champion participated in the University of Kentuckys Spring 2025 Commencement, officially completing his degree through the schools post-eligibility program.

For Rondo, now 39, the ceremony marked the closing of a personal chapter left open since 2006, when he declared early for the NBA Draft.Congrats Grad, @RajonRondo pic.twitter.com/0oaDcb1miE Kentucky Mens Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) May 10, 2025A Personal Goal RealizedRondo is one of 116 University of Kentucky student-athletes graduating this May or in the upcoming summer term.

Altogether, 149 current and former Wildcats will earn their degrees during the 202425 academic year.

Among them, seven are former student-athletes who returned to complete their education Rondo.The Louisville native initially committed to Kentucky in 2004, choosing the Wildcats over his hometown program.

He joined a top-ranked recruiting class that featured Joe Crawford and Randolph Morris, a trio that brought national attention to the program.

Known for his quick hands, floor leadership, and high basketball IQ, Rondo made an immediate impact.

He played two seasons at Kentucky before turning pro, leaving college life behind for the NBA.What cant @RajonRondo do (: @KentuckyMBB ) pic.twitter.com/kAAfe5N9HV Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) May 10, 2025Sixteen Years, Nine Teams, Two ChampionshipsRondo was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns and immediately traded to the Boston Celtics, where his professional career began in earnest.

He became a key component of the Celtics' 2008 championship team, surrounded by veterans like Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.

He went on to earn four NBA All-Star selections and became widely regarded as one of the leagues smartest and most unselfish players.Throughout his 16-year NBA career, Rondo played for nine different franchises.

In 2020, he captured his second NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming one of the few players to win championships with both the Celtics and Lakers.

He last played in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022.Former NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo graduated from the University of Kentucky today with a BA in Communication Rondo starred for the Wildcats from 2004-06.

pic.twitter.com/sdRp8Zbf9R Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 9, 2025A Commencement with MeaningReturning to Lexington to complete his degree, Rondo joined fellow student-athletes like Ansley Almonor and Kerr Kriisa at Fridays commencement ceremony in Rupp Arena, the same building where his collegiate career began.His graduation carries more than ceremonial weight.

It symbolizes the importance of finishing what one starts, regardless of how long it takes.

While Rondos basketball career is filled with accolades, his return to education adds a powerful chapter to his legacy, one defined by perseverance, humility, and personal growth.For Rajon Rondo, the final pass may have come not on the court, but in the classroom..

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