Arkansas’s John Calipari aims to find the ‘calm in the storm’ in prep for return to Kentucky

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FAYETTEVILLE — John Calipari knows there will be boos and emotions when he returns to Rupp Arena Saturday night, this time as the head coach of Arkansas basketball.

He doesn’t want to forget the fond memories and relationships he built over 15 seasons as Kentucky’s head coach, but for one week, Calipari wants to put all that to the side.

The Razorbacks (12-8, 1-6 SEC) are closing in on their showdown with the Wildcats (15-5, 4-3), and Calipari spoke with the local media Thursday. He said recent practices hasve taken an inward approach.

Instead of scouting Kentucky or pouring over what to expect in a hostile environment, the Hogs have been taking advantage of a full week off without a game, and Calipari is trying to avoid his own mind drifting toward his past success inside the Bluegrass State.

More: Roy Williams shares what to expect in John Calipari’s emotional return to Kentucky

More: Arkansas basketball vs Kentucky: Scouting report, prediction as Calipari returns to Rupp

“There may be a lot of boos,” Calipari said Thursday. “That doesn’t change anything for me. It doesn’t change the history, it doesn’t change my history, none of that. My focus right now, just so you know, the last two days, I’m worry about Arkansas. I’m worried about getting this going.”

Calipari didn’t want to share many details on Arkansas’ desired development, but he mentioned a heavy focus on defense. Arkansas is working on its press, a 1-3-1 defense and a box-and-one defense with the extended time off. He’s also trying to get freshmen Billy Richmond III, a former Kentucky commit, to slow down on the offensive end, while demanding more aggression from Jonas Aidoo.

Eventually, though, Calipari knows the focus will shift to Kentucky. The Razorbacks will watch some film of the Wildcats on Thursday and dive into the scouting report Friday.

Nov 22, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari during the first half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/arkansass-john-calipari-aims-calm-183137587.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2025-01-30 18:31:00

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