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Saturday will mark a unique step in former Kentucky coach John Calipari’s coaching career, as the former Wildcat returns to Rupp Arena for the first time with Arkansas.
Calipari, who left Kentucky in the offseason, leads the Razorbacks, with multiple former Kentucky players, into Lexington on Saturday night in one of the most anticipated matchups this season, despite Arkansas’ recent struggles.
Calipari touched on what it means for him to return to Rupp Arena, where he coached from 2009-24, on ESPN’s “College GameDay” on Saturday morning.
REQUIRED READING: John Calipari’s legacy in Lexington: Former UK basketball coach set for Rupp Arena return
“We had a heck of a run,” Calipari said to former Arkansas women’s basketball coach Jimmy Dykes, who’s now an ESPN analyst. “First of all, it was an honor and a privilege to coach here. And I appreciate this school giving me this opportunity. I appreciate the fans supporting me. I appreciate the players who I was able to coach.
“What we did in that span of time, you can’t erase. I mean, it’s history. It’s written. it’s done.”
Calipari finished his Kentucky tenure with 410-123 record, leading the Wildcats to four Final Four appearances and a national championship win in 2011-12. He also established himself as perhaps the best coach in college basketball at developing NBA talent.
Calipari mentioned Anthony Davis’ game-winning block against North Carolina and John Wall’s game-winning jump shot against Miami (Ohio), Calipari’s first opponent ever at Rupp Arena, as two of his favorite memories inside the site.
He said he hopes his eyes don’t wander during the game, as he recognizes so many familiar faces.
“There’ll be a rush of emotions,” Calipari said from the opposing bench. “I hope I’m not looking into the seats because I’m going to have some people that are friends, then you get emotional. This was 15 years.”
Many have wondered whether Calipari will be booed or not upon his first entrance on Saturday. Calipari said it doesn’t matter to him,…
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Author : The Courier Journal
Publish date : 2025-02-01 17:51:00
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