Two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo, 39, returned to the University of Kentucky (UK) this month, not for a game but for a graduation ceremony.
The former All-Star point guard officially earned his bachelor’s degree in communications during the university’s May 2025 commencement ceremony at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, as Yahoo Sports reports. The moment marked a full-circle achievement 20 years after Rondo first enrolled at UK as a standout freshman in 2004, the outlet states.
After two seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats, Rondo declared for the 2006 NBA Draft, where he was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns and later traded to the Boston Celtics, per Yahoo Sports.
What followed was a decorated 16-season NBA career with several teams, including an NBA championship in 2008 with the Celtics and another with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Rondo last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2022. He officially retired from the NBA in April 2024 with a net worth of over $45 million, as AFROTECH previously reported.
Despite his success on the court, Rondo never lost sight of an early goal: completing his college education.
His return to the classroom was made possible through Cawood Ledford Scholarships, which is part of UK Athletics’ Post-Eligibility program, according to UK Athletics’ website. The program allows former student-athletes to complete their degrees with full academic support and tuition coverage.
Fans from all over took to social media to congratulate the NBA star on his precious milestone, as Essentially Sports reports.
One X user wrote, “I LOVE that you walked the stage for graduation! That’s so refreshing! Congratulations to you on such an amazing accomplishment!”
Another fan wrote, “Congrats, Rondo, one of my favorite point guards of all-time.”
Others commented, “Salute to Rondo! From running the point to walking the stage came full circle. Big W for the former Wildcat!” and “Great Job! Terrific to have him as an alumni!”
Rondo is one of seven Kentucky Wildcats athletes who returned to the university to complete their undergraduate degrees after their eligibility had expired, as UK Athletics reports. Established in 1989, more than 160 Wildcats have graduated through the program.
Rondo’s achievement underscores the importance of lifelong learning and serves as an inspiration to current and former athletes about the value of education.
