LEXINGTON, Ky. (KT) — John Calipari has tabbed T.J. Beisner to lead a position that “is going to play a major role in the next phase of Kentucky basketball.”

Beisner was named director of player development, which will oversee a player’s off-court experiences, including player welfare and player branding. Beisner will help lead the program’s strategy in the Name, Image and Likeness initiatives in conjunction with Kentucky Road.

“Our players-first approach remains the foundation of this program and we wanted to take a concerted and strategic approach to what that means in all facets of our program,” Kentucky coach John Calipari said. “From helping our players build their brands, to getting our players into the community, helping us educate them on key issues, offering off-the-court support to both our kids and their parents, to alumni relations, TJ is going to serve as a director for us off the court.

“Kentucky should be the best in the country in branding, player welfare and development. TJ has been a key part of this program for the last few years in his role with JMI and as editor of CoachCal.com and I know he is ready to take on this responsibility.”

Beisner has served as director of digital media and content development for UK Sports & Campus Marketing.

“There is no place like the University of Kentucky,” Beisner said. “As a student, it changed my life. As a parent, I’ve watched the university and UK Athletics do the same for my son. I am thrilled to join Coach Calipari’s staff and have an opportunity to be a supportive and impactful part of the one-of-a-kind college experience you can only receive at the University of Kentucky. I absolutely cannot wait to do my part in keeping UK basketball as the gold standard in this new era of college athletics.”

Keith Taylor is sports editor for Kentucky Today. Reach him at keith.taylor@kentuckytoday.com or twitter @keithtaylor21