Immanuel Quickley had his family with him on draft night and got his mother and grandmother both a car on Mother's Day.
The first time I met Immanuel Quickley in person was at the McDonald’s All-American Game in Atlanta. I knew he was a good player, but I had no idea how special he was as a person until a chartered bus with about 40 family members and friends from Baltimore arrived for the all-star game.
My first one-on-one interview with Quickley there he talked about his mom’s role in his life and how important family and his faith both were to him. He never bragged on himself. He was confident but you could tell he was going to be good on and off the court at UK.
He had a dominant sophomore season at UK and now is having a fabulous rookie season with the New York Knicks. Yet it is no surprise that Quickley has not changed as a person.
On Mother’s Day he gave his mother and grandmother both new Range Rovers as a way to say thank you to them for all they did for him.
Quickley became a fan favorite at UK because he accepted his limited role as a freshman, worked to improve his game, came off the bench at the beginning of his sophomore year, and eventually not only emerged as a starter but as the SEC Player of the Year.
He always did it with a smile and team-first attitude. He never complained and he hit so many big shots from the field and foul line.
His aunt, Demetria Caldwell, seldom missed a UK game during his two years. She became a familiar and beloved face to UK fans.
Caldwell had a terrific comment on social media after Quickley’s special gifts to his mom and grandmother.
“His little sister, SHILOAH can not wait to drive the cars and she is only 12,” Caldwell posted.
My guess: When she’s 16, Quickley will make sure his sister has a car.
