Andrew Carr never imagined just how much the University of Kentucky would come to mean to him. But after a season filled with growth, triumph, adversity, and unforgettable moments in a blue and white jersey, Carr has decided it’s time to say goodbye to the Kentucky basketball program. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, the veteran forward thanked the Wildcat faithful, his coaches, teammates, and the entire Big Blue Nation for what he called “the most unforgettable year of my life.”
“I’ll always bleed blue,” Carr wrote. “No matter where life takes me, a part of my heart will always be in Lexington.”
The message came just days after Kentucky’s season ended in a hard-fought Sweet 16 loss, a game where Carr posted a double-double and left everything on the court. While his time at Kentucky was brief, it was impactful—for both the program and the player himself. For fans who only got to witness Carr for one season, his dedication, toughness, and leadership left a lasting impression.
Carr transferred to Kentucky after spending time at Wake Forest and Delaware, hoping to take the next step in his development and contribute to a national championship contender. He did more than just contribute. He became an emotional leader, a steady voice in the locker room, and a fan favorite on and off the court.
When he first arrived in Lexington, Carr was seen as a solid addition to John Calipari’s frontcourt—a veteran with size, experience, and a high basketball IQ. What he became over the course of the season was far more: the glue guy every winning team needs. He averaged 11.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting over 50% from the field, but his stats only tell part of the story.
Carr’s journey to Kentucky was not traditional. After two years at Delaware, where he blossomed into one of the Colonial Athletic Association’s best forwards, he transferred to Wake Forest, playing two seasons in the ACC and gaining invaluable experience against top-tier competition. But it wasn’t until he chose Kentucky for his final year of eligibility that he found a home that fully embraced him.
“This place… it’s different,” Carr said in an interview earlier this season. “It’s not just the history or the banners or the NBA players—it’s the people. The fans, the support, the way everything here revolves around basketball. I’m grateful to be part of it.”
His decision to come to Kentucky was motivated by the desire to challenge himself at the highest level and prepare for a professional career. But he also wanted to be part of something bigger—a program with national relevance, a passionate fanbase, and a coaching staff that believed in his ability to make an impact.
Carr delivered in big moments all season. He scored a season-high 21 points in an early win over Michigan State, anchoring the defense and sparking a second-half run that would define Kentucky’s grit. In a heated SEC rivalry matchup against Tennessee, he recorded 16 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Wildcats secure a crucial road victory. And when Kentucky needed leadership during a rough stretch in January, it was Carr who gathered the team after a tough loss and urged them to “stay the course.”
Head coach John Calipari praised Carr repeatedly throughout the season, calling him “one of the most mature and selfless players I’ve ever coached.”
“He came here with no ego, no agenda—just wanted to help this team win,” Calipari said. “He’s been huge for us in every way. Offense, defense, in the locker room. He’s a grown man and a true pro. I’ve been blessed to coach him.”
Carr’s departure marks the end of an era—not because he was here for years, but because he embodied what the Kentucky program hopes every transfer can be. He embraced the culture. He led by example. And when his time came to say goodbye, he did it with grace and gratitude.
In his farewell message, Carr made sure to thank his teammates, calling them “brothers for life,” and reflected on the moments that defined his Kentucky experience.
“From the first time I walked into Rupp Arena to my last game wearing that jersey, every second has meant something. I’ve laughed, cried, battled, and grown more than I ever imagined,” he wrote. “To the fans—thank you for accepting me as one of your own. You have no idea what that means to me.”
Carr’s post drew thousands of responses from Kentucky fans, many of whom expressed their love and appreciation for the 6-foot-10 forward who gave his all for one season. Former players, teammates, and even rival coaches chimed in to congratulate Carr on a terrific collegiate career.
Beyond the numbers and accolades, what made Carr’s tenure at Kentucky special was his heart. He embraced his role. He played hard every night. He treated every practice like it mattered. And he was always willing to do the dirty work—taking charges, boxing out, rotating on defense. The little things that win games.
In an era where college basketball is increasingly defined by short-term commitments, NIL deals, and constant roster turnover, Carr was a reminder of what makes the sport great. A player who chose Kentucky not for flash, but for the chance to grow, compete, and leave a mark. He did just that.
As for what’s next, Carr hasn’t announced whether he plans to pursue professional opportunities overseas, enter the NBA Draft, or take another route entirely. But whatever comes next, there’s no doubt that he’ll carry the lessons and memories of his Kentucky experience with him.
“I’ve learned so much here—not just about basketball, but about life, about myself, about what it means to be part of something bigger than you,” he wrote. “I’ll never forget this year. I’ll never forget the people. And I’ll never stop cheering for the Cats.”
Carr’s emotional message also shed light on the bonds formed behind the scenes—his relationships with coaches, staff members, and fans who made his time in Lexington unforgettable. He shared a special thank you to the Kentucky medical team for helping him battle through a nagging ankle injury that threatened to derail his midseason form. He credited the strength and conditioning staff for “pushing me every single day to be my best.”
Perhaps most touching was his tribute to the Kentucky fans. “Y’all showed up every night—rain or shine, win or lose,” Carr wrote. “To walk out of that tunnel and hear the roar of Rupp… that feeling is impossible to describe. It gave me goosebumps every time.”
He went on to share a personal anecdote about signing autographs outside the arena after a win over Alabama.