Stephen A. & Shannon Sharpe are SHOCKED John Calipari is leaving Kentucky for Arkansas | First Take

[@OleScram]

Never stay somewhere you’re not wanted 🗣️

[@MrNaturalSez]

Jimbo Fi$$$her stayed!

[@mmou3878]

Perfectly said

[@RadicallyOptimistic]

Jimbo’s teams would be championship material if their schedule was simply 12 home games vs Bama

[@tainanking]

I think his way of recruiting wasn’t working. He tried to mix and match but he couldn’t do it right because he can’t coach very well. Can recruit the best but can’t put great teams together

[@jaredlynch8020]

Cal was loved in KY , but people hated the one and done . All he had to do was vocally say , “ I’m going to start asking for more of a commitment from my recruits” and it would have reassured a lot of people . Instead he doubled down and started looking around when Mitch asked him about it . Mitch had already confirmed Cal was coming back to UK . The pressure started getting to him and he took a way out with a check attached

[@larrytucker222]

He said his job was to put players in the NBA. Which was part of the problem in the end.

[@unc54]

Yeah, the bigger issue is that the NBA and college ball haven't been aligned in over 15 years. Most top recruits only stay for a year and then leave. And we've seen that teams made up mostly of freshmen rarely win it all or even go that far in the Tournament. And I think that's why interest in men's college basketball has decreased. It's hard to get excited about the top players when you know that their careers are essentially over at college.

[@RobbieStacks90]

That was his recruiting pitch to get young black athletes (not student-athletes, athletes) to sign their NLIs for Kentucky. He only won a national championship because that team's chemistry clicked from day one. Everywhere else he's been, he's come up short and left those programs on NCAA probation (which is impossible now since you can pay players legally). I got behind Northwestern and Yale this NCAA tournament because their coaches built their teams the right way.

[@cbrown940]

if you ask the youngsters playing - that is THE job. Arkansas might have just hit the lottery.

[@W.orld.Breaker]

At the end of the day. Any man capable of turning young men into millionaires is more of an achievement that a national championship. He could have influenced many guys to stay but he told them to go take care of their families and go to the league. He also got many of his players jobs in the realm of basketball if they didn’t make NBA. It’s more building successful lives for his players and not about himself. That is a accomplishment, not something he should be criticized for.

[@DarrinKirk]

@@RobbieStacks90LOL

[@JitoTantrum]

The way they disregard D’Aaron Fox every time is WILD

[@Scheming606]

Malik monk was a problem in college. He still holds the Kentucky scoring record

[@davidlax5067]

Monk was better than fox at UK. Fox killed lonzo in sweet 16 but monk almost pushed them in the final 4. Also that game vs unc in December, monk killed the tarholes

[@JitoTantrum]

@@davidlax5067 but they’re basing the credibility off what the players have done e in the league. Malik didn’t even get a second contract with the team that drafted him.

[@davidlax5067]

@JitoTantrum he went to the hornets. Except lamelo I don't remember a rookie getting a 2nd contract with them. Also there's just so many players that played for cal that ofcourse youll remember the first ones who got there, hence wall, cousins, ad

[@Ryan_Rants]

Fox, Bam, and Monk on one team...that team was legit. Refs killed then in the first half of that Elite 8 game against UNC though, so I don't really blame Cal for that one.

[@tiyalewhitehurst338]

Shannon has a valid point, it has always been what have you done for me lately in Sports

[@Chesney46]

5 years nothing that’s not lately

[@MrMumblez32]

They won’t say this about Iowa losing back to back championship games

[@LeeksWeakAzzPosters]

Idk why he gotta scream in everything he says

[@jamesbaldwin6235]

​@MrMumblez32 dude it's Iowa!

[@2kVue123]

I think he has a valid point but with Cal leaving I gotta think that’d probably lessen the appeal of Kentucky. Which would mean less high profile prospects.

[@TlanImass]

I like how SAS mentioned Corliss Williamson.

[@VSmoothTwentyTwo]

35 first round draft picks and 1 title is crazy 😂😂😂

[@fotografiasromero]

That’s what we’re saying here at Kentucky

[@ljayydagoat7113]

Player go there to get to the league.. Coach cal was getting players in the league…that’s the point of going to Kentucky

[@retrotv1988]

@@ljayydagoat7113Facts people don’t get or understand that. Recruits parents love him and trust him with their kids. When he’s with his guys on draft day he’s so happy to see them get to their nba dreams

[@user-ud2nz4wo2b]

If he didn’t win at all. Y’all would complain that he can’t win at least one. If he won two y’all would still complain that he didn’t win more

[@VSmoothTwentyTwo]

@@user-ud2nz4wo2b I actually wouldn’t care idk Kentucky sucks and it’s mainly because of him the guy you like

[@cardman493]

Only shocked if you don't know the practice facilities , amenities , student housing , and arena are all better at Arkansas than they are at Kentucky

[@jt2963]

I’m from Arkansas……… holy f*ck……..we just hit the jackpot

[@sandramanwaring7158]

😂😂😂😂🎉

[@kingforte9246]

How?

[@MasonAce4545]

Great hire that’s how!

[@edgargarcia3760]

We did?? Coach Muss took us further in the tourney these last few years than calipari took Kentucky

[@Diggyace14]

Now your team will be top 5 preseason and miss the tournament or lose first round.

[@gohansburner]

As an Arkansan. This is monumental. We're going to get all the top recruits

[@fotografiasromero]

Yeah we though that was the answer too. Kind of got tired of new players every year. I hope it works out for you all he’s a great dude. No longer a good fit here.

[@gohansburner]

@@fotografiasromero I mean you can't deny the success Cal has had and how he put the spotlight back on UK.

[@pi3838]

NIL has changed the landscape of College Basketball... You don't need to go to a major program to get paid anymore. We will see if players are gonna go to Arkansas for Coach Cal.

[@rockchalk9078]

All the top recruits and no significant wins. Good job

[@kaleytreadway44]

News flash, that doesn’t matter anymore. In the past 4 years, cal brought us more than 10 guys that are playing in the nba right now and still couldn’t take us past the first round. Cal isn’t worried about winning anymore, he wants to go to Arkansas and cruise out his final coaching years. He’s not taking you guys anywhere I promise 😂😂

[@AtypicalM]

NIL has exposed all of the so call great coaches.

[@Suckmeoff-zy3fb]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 you’re drunk lil bro

[@19934]

Exactly

[@scruffd0g193]

A lot of great coach’s like Saban just said the heck with this and retired.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

NIL was not the problem but go off the value of the UK roster is around 5 million dollars. “oh it’s NIL and the portal” no it’s not the blue bloods carry the most NIL money causals 😂

[@GoatedAtNFS]

@@scruffd0g193Saban is old and wants to enjoy life. keep thinking he left because of NIL

[@Sable813]

Bruh Jay Williams had terrible arguments this segment. No one is talking about the lack of championships its more so the lack of ANY tournament success. Duke, Kansas and UNC don't win every year but they are relevant in the tournament every year. They don't go 5 years without a sweet 16. Cal has underachieved so much the last 5, 6 years hes lucky he didnt get fired.

[@tigerhoods7927]

lol jay is flip flop type of dude you don’t know what type of answer you’re going to get

[@GoatedAtNFS]

he’s a duke guy he wants to keep Kentucky down and out

[@matthewcrump7255]

You do realize it's entertainment one person has to take the opposite side of the argument or there is no show

[@251to502]

What I think happened with Calipari, is that he stagnated relative to the landscape of college basketball. Jay I suspect, was making his arguments because in a sense, he wanted to protect Calipari from any scrutiny.

[@GeronFletcher]

Arkansas has so much money. The Walmart owners are all billionaires, Jerry jones is a billionaire booster for Arkansas too.

[@BoskoShabazz]

It was time for everybody to part ways

[@fotografiasromero]

Agreed!

[@LifeOnEarthTogether]

As a UK fan, Arkansas has the most passionate fans in the country. Arkansas was dominant during the 90s and made 2 elite 8s and 3 sweet sixteens in the past 5 yrs. I'm afraid they just woke up a monster in both Arkansas and Calipari. Most people dont realize that Arkansas is yr in and yr out the best overall athletics department in the SEC. This frightens me now that they have Cal. We're screwed...

[@Hogsby90]

The reason we are so passionate is because in Arkansas, the Razorbacks are all we got!😂 In Arkansas, there’s no pro sports teams and there’s not even another major division 1 college! We have an entire state coming together in our love for one team! We’ve been underrated in athletics for a long time now, cal about to remind everybody what Arkansas is capable of! Respect to you for the recognition!

[@leehunchoo]

@@Hogsby90 literally we have no big artists like other states so we love sports even harder. people act like we didnt beat purdue duke and gonzaga when they had GUARENTEED draft picks

[@johnnycorn7225]

Are you really trying to convince me that you're afraid of Cal after the last 5 years. Oakland wasn't, the peacocks weren't, twice laughed at by k state. Easiest coach to game plan on, he NEVER changes anything. Just run a zone and watch him crumble because he never teaches or practices a zone so he can't attack one and rarely has shooters. This year he had more shooters than ever and he refused to play them together lmfao ultimately pathetic all because he just had to Star his guys Wagner Edwards and Bradshaw no matter what. Arkansas fans are going to hate life when they KNOW for a fact the players that can win a game are sitting because the freshmen get the undeserving playtime while they are so weak they can't hold ground or hit a shot. He will shove the failure down your throat over and over and never adapt or change. I could go on and on it's atrocious. Without the looming NBA lockout and a senior KY Mr basketball he didn't recruit, along with a generational talent in Davis as well as Gilchrist he wouldn't have one title. He even tried to slow them down but they played on and won in spite of him against his horrifying stall ball habit at the end of games, like that 2015 game that proved he can't win with an all MBA team against a college foe, because he didn't and couldn't switch up anything. Facts don't lie.

[@phillipcotton833]

Leaving Kentucky for Arkansas is more lateral than some would think. Like Kentucky, Calipari's money will stretch in Arkansas with the cost of living. As far as tradition....sure KY is the Blue- blood, but the Hogs have some good history. At the end of the day...follow PEACE over all else. Arkansas got themselves quite the catch,& Kentucky gets a fresh start.

[@brettg9481]

These guys are shocked because they know nothing about college basketball. Arkansas is generally regarded as the second best job in the SEC. I guess ESPN fired all their college basketball people.

[@Sambam1981]

They don’t know. They thinking about football I guess 😂

[@dennismorris106]

I'd say tennessee is second best job but Arkansas is a scrappy team always

[@brettg9481]

@@dennismorris106 Arkansas has six Final Fours. Tennessee has zero.

[@hershelswint4097]

Was that not Tennessee's first ever elite 8? So how would Tennessee be the 2nd best job in the SEC?@@dennismorris106

[@scalisque5403]

@@dennismorris106Arkansas is definitely a better program than Tennessee

[@jameslayco9]

Someone pls give mark jackson a chance. He’ll be a good coach both college and nba

[@NPAMike]

Not with todays kids, they don't want a preacher.

[@asiantrick24]

@@NPAMike a preacher that like strippers

[@tsunamipapi1343]

I fw coach cal bro it’s sad 2 c him leave kentucky, I’m not a kentucky fan but he was one of the main reasons I would root 4 them in the tournament every year

[@thatonedude7667]

And watch as they get beat in the first or second round because Cal refused to make mid game adjustments.

[@creightonstephens5888]

As a UK fan, it’s hard to overlook that during Calipari’s tenure, he never once beat Duke.

[@PineappaPres14]

Nah champions classic in 2015 UK beat Duke but that was the only time

[@JayTheGreat.]

The Murray-Ulis team in 2015-16 beat them, but that was the only time and both teams weren't that good that year

[@jdkingsley6543]

Bruh lmao.

[@aaronlovell6026]

Arkansas may not be a Blue Blood program. But, Arkansas has everything in place to become a Blue Blood program. An 18,000 seat NBA quality arena. A private plane at Coach Cal beck and call. A new NIL collective being pushed by the Walton family, JB Hunt Family, the Tyson family, Jerry Jones, Stephen's inc. And the list goes on. And now we have the coach.

[@GoatedAtNFS]

do people not realize Kentucky had 7 national championships before Calipari? do casuals not understand that the standard of Kentucky basketball is the equivalent of Alabama football? do sport watchers not know that Kentucky has only lost to a 14 seed or lower only 4 times in the NCAA tournament in its EXISTENCE & 2 out of the 4 came under CALIPARI?? again, did they not watch what UK fans witnessed this past year? 3 straight losses at Rupp Arena for the first time EVER! Tied longest drought in program history for not winning the SEC. Bounced in the NCAAs first round again!! These players he recruited were going to the NBA REGARDLESS, he didn’t coach or develop them at ALL. People fail to grasp that!! It was time for him to go! It’s gonna be hard to find a replacement because they’ll have to leave their current college, & Mitch Barnhardt shouldn’t have paid him all that money, he should’ve been fired!

[@730FlightRisk]

Most definitely UNDERACHIEVED at The University of Kentucky 😂😂😂😂 and I’ve been a fan of Calipari since he had D. Rose and that squad at Memphis

[@gregorydunston2952]

I think you’re forgetting how BAD Kentucky was before he got there. Watch how he’ll flip Arkansas’ future because if anything, Calipari is gonna have a great recruiting class. Kentucky was TRASH with Gillespie & Tubby didn’t have a tremendous amount of success for some years before he was gone too

[@maxinekanner5434]

I mean he does have a national championship not like any coach since Rupp done much Tubby Smith won 1 but he had some down years as well

[@joepoke1978]

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!

[@GoatedAtNFS]

@@gregorydunston2952 Tubby Smith won a championship and got fired for much less compared to Johnny boy Calipari. Billy was a swing and a miss and is long gone and a bad hire by Mitch

[@charlestaylor2746]

I have been a UK fan all my life. I will always appreciate what Calipari brought us much like I appreciate Pitino and Tubby. Cal struggled with adapting to the changing game. Our general fan base has been upset for several years with the direction he has taken us. I thought maybe we were going back to the winning formula this year but, there was no defense on this team. Defense was something he was usually great at coaching. I wish him the best, except when Arkansas is playing UK. It was a good time to separate.

[@Leif90]

derrick rose was from Univ. of Memphis

[@ajaxslamgoody9736]

They were mentioning players Calipari sent to high rank NBA positions....Pay attention son....don't worry, I have ADHD and forgot Tubby smith (which the fans...me being one, couldn't stand his slow game) getting to 3 or 4 final fours???? God Bless

[@brucelau2023]

Never stay somewhere you’re not wanted , so so true

[@michaeljmobley]

If you can't produce, you aren't going to be wanted.

[@aidanwatson910]

Acting like Arkansas isn’t a top 5 job in college basketball is craaaaazy.

[@umbreonix]

Let’s just say top 15 at LEAST. Stephen A needs to refresh his memory on who Arkansas is.

[@keslertyner]

Its not

[@aidanwatson910]

@@SomebodyBanThatGuy that used to be true. Can your school guarantee 6-8M a year for NIL just in basketball? That username is fire.

[@jimmyjames6882]

​@@aidanwatson910thats a lot of money for cal to waste.

[@aidanwatson910]

@@jimmyjames6882 stay mad

[@Zander98]

Kentucky basketball turned into a one and done program in the 2010's for players who only wanted to be in college for 1 year and then go pro. They never have had real experience on their teams the last decade to push deep into March madness and would always lose in the first 2 rounds because the whole team was just 18-19 year old kids fresh out of high school. Then they would face teams like UConn or Purdue who were much more balanced in terms of age and they'd get sent home early every year. It's time for Kentucky to recruit players that actually want to stay in college for more than one semester.

[@Xx-po1fu]

The days of one coach constantly winning championships ended in 1975 with John Wooden.

[@hobbyog4786]

Kansas coach has won two and the Uconn coach could go back to back tonight...Also, Billy Donovan went back to back...Cal is a great salemen but a terrible coach. Should of had DJ on the bench and was playing the Harrison twins more did a true PG in Tyler Uluis..that could of been the greatest team of all-time

[@eskewisaiah]

Coach K has 5 national championships

[@DonGivani]

😂 That was a different time bro, players stay right now for five months at college to cash money in the NBA

[@rsimmons1980]

Calapri needs to join Michigan State as a recruiter and let Tom Izzo coach!!

[@Tony-bp1nr]

​@@DonGivaniOnly the majority of 5 star recruits. The teams that won championships before and after Calipari arrived had a combination 4 star veterans with one or two 5 star freshmen. Only 2 teams in the last 15 years, UK(2012) and Duke(2015) had won a title with mostly freshmen, but they still had veteran leadership on those squads. Since the landscape has shifted to the transfer portal and NIL, now you're starting to see more 5 star recruits stay a little longer because they're compensated now.

[@TBassFactory]

Caliparis Benefit package is way better at Arkansas. Kentucky is a Blue Blood and Arkansas done better in the last 5 years. Now Cal Gets 6 millions NIL not 4 at Kentucky and better fan base that is just happy to make the tourney. Lower expectations and best facilities you can find and Loyal fans. Sounds like an upgrade to me

[@frankmathews]

Tom Izzo hasn’t won since when? Where’s the smoke for him??

[@shabazz717]

I think the biggest part is 1st round exits to small schools. It happened too many times with Cal

[@carlguyjr8379]

Facts 💯

[@scruffd0g193]

Kentucky has had loads of NBA players.

[@Phori859]

You spitting but MSU isn’t held in the same regard as UK ngl

[@frankhortoniv3739]

Brah ain’t won a Natty since I was 9 years old. I have my own family now and he still ain’t won anything since 😂😂

[@Larry-s9e7i]

cal needed a breath of fresh air man

[@juanchavez671]

Jay Williams always so emotional

[@edwardmason930]

I think he will have more success at Arkansas. He seemed to feel his main job at Kentucky was to turn out one and done pros instead of helping Kentucky win championships.

[@Z_Rodriguez13]

Coach Cal is like the college version of doc rivers

[@wtk6069]

This shows the power of irate fanbases. Last week, Barnhart and Cal tried to mend fences with an awkward TV interview, and fans weren't buying it. Cal saw that about 70% of fans were ready for a change, and he listened.

[@DYoon007]

It was time for Calipari to leave, imo but Arkansas, I did not see this coming.

[@tainanking]

Apparently he’s good friends and golfs with one of its boosters so maybe he was told that he could bring some hype to Arkansas without the pressure Kentucky gave and maybe an even better salary

[@Sambam1981]

@@tainankingyea and he might just mess up and win a championship there. Arkansas has good recruits in state

[@tainanking]

@@Sambam1981 and he better keep em there too

[@tainanking]

@@Sambam1981 as good as Kentucky is as a program, not much talent in state. He got Demarcus cousins from Mississippi and he was recruiting the south heavy getting a lot of sec guys away from their state.

[@DYoon007]

@@tainanking good point

[@wweturkturk2002]

As someone who from ARKANSAS we just the jackpot all we need to find some talents

[@ManiGotti]

Derrick Rose didn’t go to Kentucky. He went to Memphis.

[@BarryBlockZay617]

He was still a Number one pick under Cal

[@tiardrabrown8388]

​@BarryBlockZay617 Not at Kentucky that was the subject. Who he had at Kentucky. Let's open our ears and listen and not jump on the defense. Ok!

[@ManiGotti]

@@tiardrabrown8388 he definitely mentioned Derrick Rose

[@BarryBlockZay617]

@@tiardrabrown8388 but it's Also about his legacy and the top picks he's coached 🤣

[@tiardrabrown8388]

@BarryBlockZay617 Yeah but recruiting isn't developing players. He can only recruit and most his players over the years got better once they were in the league not in college. He's the best at that.

[@shabazz717]

I think it’s time for a change at UK but definitely feel what Jay is saying.

[@WThomas66]

Kentucky has had 7 coaches in the history of the program. 5 of them have won a National Title. We will find someone who can win.

[@rockchalk9078]

Try 22 coaches in their history. KANSAS on the other hand is probably the program you're thinking of. KU total of 8 head coaches. Get your facts straight before spewing it all over the net.

[@DTcamoson]

As a Kentucky fan we want championships and wins. Cal is a great recruiter and does build great players for the league but I want to watch us win championships and he just wasn’t delivering.

[@Ho11is2Ho11ywood]

Im not a Calipari fan but to say "I can get any coach to get kicked out in the 1st round with NBA talent" excludes the fact that HE IS PART OF THE REASON THEY'RE THERE!

[@kingjohn455]

Could you imagine that a blue blood programs only hope would be to make the tournament? Especially doing nothing in basically the last nine seasons?

[@hadbl12]

Expectations are too high in Ky

[@billy306]

You can’t just assume that you win titles with new freshman walking in every year.. Callipari has to restart every year. Look at who’s in the chip, Connecticut and Purdue, experience and chemistry matters. He’s a great coach and probably wants to go to Arkansas so he can actually coach the same players two years in a row…

[@jaredlynch8020]

He’s the one responsible for the one and done, he left because people wanted him to keep players around for more than one year.

[@Mrdeaconsir]

He’s the one recruiting one and done players. He’ll do the same at Arkansas it’s what he loves to do.

[@billy306]

@@jaredlynch8020 agreed.. but that’s what I’m saying. Maybe he’s over that way of thinking. Once you become known for something it’s hard to change things up. Arkansas gives him a fresh start to do what he wants. Players go to Kentucky to go to the NBA. Not to compete for NCCA championships

[@jaredlynch8020]

@@billy306 after the meeting With UKs AD , he literally said he didn’t think he could stop the “ one and done” . He doubled down , even though the school , and fans wanted him to get more of a commitment from the players . No one liked the one and done at KY. UK loved Cal and hated the one and done . My guess is Arkansas is willing to put up with it for the 4-5 star recruits .

[@sarabara617]

As someone who lives in Arkansas & a Hog fan, we are all shocked. Never in my life did I think this would happen. But he wasn’t wanted anymore. It’s better for him to leave than have that $34 million buyout. So many of us Arkansas fans are so excited tho. It’s gonna be so cool to have Bobby petrino, Calipari, & Dave Van Horn on one campus.

[@wardripj88]

What about Rick Pitino's one title in 96?

[@mull4395]

Thank you Jay for actually bringing in some reasoning to the convo

[@zachS614]

You can’t pay someone 8 million a year and only win 1 tournament game since 2020.

[@tigerhoods7927]

lol jay Williams don’t care about that

[@Th3Loveless]

Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽UNDERACHIEVED‼️they should be in the final four every year!!!

[@deesmusic9933]

The fact that the national media is losing their crap let’s me know that the Hogs hit a home run. 😂🐗

[@Anomic-mo9ji]

Prayers answered, thank you Lord

[@BillyWitherspoon]

Not shocked Cal lost the fans after both back 2 back Ls plus Cal realized the fans were done with the one and done movement it was time it ran its course time too move on and start fresh for both parties

[@shabazz717]

Exactly! Cal is a good coach. The one and done has got to stop for UK

[@pmontyjaaaymes488]

Nah screw that. UK fans are just losers and they will never be happy with whatever they get. Bunch of ignorant ppl that dont know basketball. Can't handle some slow yrs. I dont care about those stats stephen talking about. You win some you lose. Im a UK fan. Our fanbase is trash. He left bc of death threats and talking bad and attacking his family every chance they get. UK won't rebound for a long time. For sale signs in his yard. But that's on UK fans.

[@jonathonstanford5791]

Go get rondo for the job

[@drewslifecollection]

👀

[@Diggyace14]

No diversity hires please.

[@BarryBlockZay617]

​@@Diggyace14one of the best basketball minds, who is a UK alum, who has been considered for NBA jobs is a diversity hire? Wow you bigots are sold bold

[@ONGEES]

Interesting…

[@empirebbk]

I feel like a proud mom when I watch this group have debates. They have come a long way and have mastered the craft 😢

[@jaredlynch8020]

The only problem with Jays argument is Cal left Kentucky, not the other way around. Mitch had already confirmed he was keeping him around for another year.

[@tigerhoods7927]

Jay is to emotional man

[@tm8916]

Izzo hasn't won a ship in 20 years and msu stills loves him. Kentucky 📉

[@moehendrxx7964]

Shannon came out guns blazing 😂

[@jamesbrewer2474]

It’s not about winning it all but getting players to the Association.

[@joelamthach5812]

Ms Molly you never stop being amazing host I ever seen…you put your boys in control every time… you set high standard for the sport man show ..

[@keslertyner]

She is terrible what are you talking about?

[@Bluegrassstallion]

From Kentucky been a fan since childhood again is 100% right. Even in cals own book he called tubby Smith record unacceptable which was the same record as he had right now

[@djnkosi]

5:03 HOLD ON! 🤣

[@JordanO317]

In order to win a NCAA championship in any sport u need VETERAN LEADERSHIP. If you’re shipping out your best players every year or two you’re restarting your team the next season. Just sit and think about that. Other than UConn, UNC, or Nova nobody is out here just winning multiple ships.

[@Dave-zl2ky]

The guy from Oakland Michigan out coached Cal. Yes, Calipari is replaceable.

[@ikiwheese]

Calipari is kind of like Popovich. Sometimes you just run your course. Your time is up. Amazing Coaches, It's just you don't have it anymore. Don't mean you're terrible or you didn't accomplish amazing things. It's just your time is up.

[@antwandavis1776]

Let's see if the players follow.

[@VicentOlmeta]

I am not shocked. These coaches know when to get out of the fire.

[@_EmmaGrace789]

Jay Williams belongs at a Diddy party

[@fotografiasromero]

😂😂😂

[@martinf10231976]

😂I bet Stephen A. and Shannon have already been.

[@j-ferrell144]

Ky fan here, SAS and Shannon are speaking facts.

[@nserekoraymond8593]

Shannon made his research on this topic. There's no defense for this ex Kentucky coach

[@cardman493]

um..Tubby Smith quit . Went to Minnesota. He wasnt fired

[@munneypte4511]

J Will got smoked on this segment

[@JonathanClarkston-u7u]

FACTS!!

[@analyrical]

Being a Kansas fan, we understand what the standard is with programs like UK and KU. A lot of the KU fanbase wants Self fired now after this season and his recent track record with 2nd round losses the past 5 years( he did also win a chip and had maybe the best overall team in 2019-2020, the year they didn't play the tournament) . But seasons like UK and KU had this year just aren't acceptable at those programs. Now, Calipari leaving for Arkansas is the surprising part of this. It's a step down from a basketball perspective. He'll make good money and maybe he will change his recruiting approach in this new NIL and portal world. Experienced High Level Players and retaining talent to develop is so paramount now. Look at what UCONN has built these past 3 seasons. They got high level players to stay for a couple years. So when guys leave, they have guys ready to fill the void and also knocked it out of the park getting Cam Spencer, because he fits their system so well. You have to find that blend it feels like in this current era to truly compete. Perhaps being at a less high-profile school he can develop some of these kids like he did at Memphis and UMass and the first decade at Kentucky.

[@michaeljmobley]

Cal is just leaving for an easier job. UK is a top profile job, and it comes with a lot of fame and scrutiny. Plenty of coaches have the egos to want to be the next UK coach. It was just a marriage that had gone south for too long. This UK team was super talented and athletic but had 0 defensive awareness. That is just unacceptable and all on the coaching.

[@BillyWitherspoon]

“There The Dallas Cowboys” But Yet You Want Them To Keep Cal Jay Will Just Be Contradicting Himself 😂

[@billkenney2855]

I think all the media people defending Calapari just don’t get the way that he consistently undermined himself here in Lexington. He routinely disparaged the fans, calling them “basketball Bennies” for raising questions while his teams continued to make the same routine errors and often looked lost, year over year. He created a pointless spat with the football coach and Barnhart because he wasn’t getting his way. He took credit when things bounced his way, and then shirked press conferences and assumption of responsibility when thing’s went south. So this is, unsurprisingly, the way that it ended, with him crossing the conference to a rival team because a billionaire has promised him everything he wanted even though he’s been faltering mightily and getting out coached for years. Critics will say the fans chased off a hall of fame coach, but those of us here in Kentucky know the broader story. Cal did more than his fair share to create the unfavorable environment, and he did little or nothing to take responsibility for fixing it. We may not get a home run hire, and it might take some time to find the next successful chapter. But it will be nice to see change, to see someone who really wants this opportunity and wants to prioritize Kentucky basketball over promoting players to the professional ranks at the cost of the program. I appreciate Cal’s commitment to his players and his loyalty to their dreams. He did some truly great things up until the Wisconsin game. But things were never the same after that game, and he was excruciatingly slow to learn and adapt to how things changed. And he remained fundamentally unaccountable when it came to fixing the problems, even when Barnhart tried to give him another chance. So, he chose to leave rather than try to take responsibility here.

[@TadashiNazuka]

We Love Shannon Sharpe.

[@TheRealBigManHarris]

How are you shocked when you just called for him to be fired

[@antwandavis1776]

It was time.

[@larryviars6199]

Rick Pitino is head and shoulders above Calipari. Bring him back and in 3 years they will hang a banner

[@FranDaMan-23]

when you can’t out talent people , you have to rely on your coaching acumen and he can’t out talent people anymore

[@duhhherrooo]

bingo

[@Ryan_Rants]

I get what Jay is trying to say, but you have to remember he is a Dukey. It wasn't just post season stuff. UK was losing to mid majors at home. Happened 3 times (Richmond, Evansville, and UNC Wilmington). They were losing multiple games in a row at home, losing to weak SEC teams like SC and Vandy at home (in 2023). Earlier in Cal's time at UK, his teams were young and had the growing pains every year, but people were fine with it because by February, they were the best version of themselves they could be. Recently, it has been a rollercoaster. Teams don't get better and some even seem worse as the season goes on. I could go on and on. but it is more than just numbers. He may be the second winningest coach, but he was also there the second longest. Pitino was only there 8 years and when he got there UK was on probation. He went .500 in his first year and 22-6 in his second year. After that, he won at least 27 games each year and never lost more than 7. His last 2 years he won a championship and was the runner up. He was on pace to be the winningest coach and win more titles before leaving. Calipari's first 10 (especially first 6) years were a dream. He was the man for the job. They still should've won at least one more, but still, he was great. He really started falling off in the 17-18 season. The bracket opened up that year and UK lost to a Kansas State team in the Sweet 16 who was without their best player. He also struggled to figure out SGA...MVP candidate SGA...yes THAT SGA should be starting PG over Quade Green...It was the roster turnover, isolating himself from fans, the broken record and repetitive dialogue in press conferences, inability to read the room, all of that lost him the fan base. Say what you want about Tubby, but he never lost to mid majors, never missed the tournament, and never lost in the first round. Cal's ceiling was extremely high, and boy was it fun, but he struggled to get back to that level of success and gave little confidence to many that he could.

[@erickhart6159]

Your coach K was making the one and done work. How many championships did he win in Cals era J? As many as Cal, Coach K knew when to quit.

[@tigerhoods7927]

Facts but even coach k had seniors and sophomore’s

[@ZiklagStripling]

Facts, as soon as Coach K got that young talent, he won.

[@UnbiasedBrim]

It's a Win, Win for Arkansas and Kentucky. If you're mad the Hogs are making waves. We don't care #WPS

[@joestarwars5606]

I think he is moving to Arkansas for the money. The big football programs are going to start to be better in basketball because they can pay the players better.

[@UnbiasedBrim]

He's going because he was unhappy and underperforming at Kentucky. He is actually making 500k less at Arkansas. Its a fresh start

[@ChimeExpress]

Calipari acts like a clown on the sidelines more than any other coach in college basketball. It’s embarrassing. He makes the game about himself rather than his players and his college. He makes his players anxious and stressed by his out of control behavior on the sidelines. His players need to feel calm and confident and they can’t when their coach is “hair on fire” 🔥 all the time.

[@erock213]

How many of those UK players have won anything in the pros. LOL 😆

[@keykeyblazeroyce1742]

Anthony Davis

[@erock213]

@@keykeyblazeroyce1742 exactly!!!! Murray

[@stephendunn968]

Cal will be rejuvenated by the appreciative Arkansas fans. WPS!

[@kingquince9184]

Say what you want about John C but it’s going to be hard to replace him. Did he underachieve at times, yes but what coach hasn’t. Also, why is Shannon raising his voice 😂

[@ericalcantara5263]

Shannon needa quit yelling at us thru the mic. Ease up big fella.

[@JQUE94]

I think with Callipari it comes down to a great recruiter getting a lot of wins because of the immense amount of talent he had, especially in tje early Kentucky days. Once the talent watered down a bit and got spread out John couldnt dominate. Maybe he isnt as great at the X's and O's compared to his recuiting.

[@straw3213]

I just agreed with Shannon and Stephen A on the same day.....that eclipse must have aligned everything perfectly 😂😂

[@Jaydog2024]

Steven A look at the history of Arkansas. It is a top 10 program in history.

[@isaaccogguillo8084]

UCLA, Indiana, UConn, Kentucky, Kansas, Mich St, Michigan, Villanova, Duke, North Carolina, Florida, NC State all have better basketball history then Arkansas

[@isaaccogguillo8084]

Louisville and Cincinnati too

[@RedMissileGaming]

Man, you guys are trippin. Have either of them ever been to Bud Walton arena? Arkansas is a very proud and premiere basketball school. The fan base is much better also. I don’t think it’s as big of a drop as they’re acting. Yeah, most coaches would prob pick Kentucky over Arkansas, but it’s close. Arkansas is a top 10 basketball school in the nation. In fact, according to CBS sport, their opinion is that Arkansas is the #6 best job in the nation.

[@curtiscoffman6735]

Bro jay Williams get on my last nerve he always making excuses! Stop letting him talk on this platform!

[@GeminiPrincess92]

Always full of excuses! Super annoying!

[@tigerhoods7927]

lol facts they only do it for big time coaches, when they talk about other coaches they criticize them harshly

[@davontejones709]

So you don’t want objectivity? lol just 3 people piling on all show?

[@curtiscoffman6735]

@@davontejones709 his argument was stupid. John really did underachieve he could have acknowledged it and still gave us his perspective, and I’m not just talking about this segment he does this a lot.

[@curtiscoffman6735]

@@tigerhoods7927 facts you got people in the comments bringing up Tom Izzo. Like really? He hasn’t had top 5 recruiting every year.

[@billp9482]

Not surprising. Cal does not need the money. How many players will follow.? Or will $$$$ keep them at UK? Val’s problem other than spoiled UK fans is losing players to the NBA draft after one or two seasons. Plus why stay where you may not be appreciated?

[@roberttoocool3808]

Coach Cal hasn't won no national titles since 2011. He only known for you want to go pro play for me.

[@tigerhoods7927]

Facts

[@DB-gr7ch]

Callipari's Kentiucky legacy: He officially legitimized and sanctioned the "one-and-done", the non-student, pro-in-waiting athlete. He reduced the great U of Kentucky to a one-year bus stop. And for all the institutional reputational damage that did to Kentucky....a total, humiliating failiure.

[@jsn23nc]

Jay is right. Kentucky was getting all of those 5 star recruits because Callipari. Callipari got 5 star recruits at UMass and Memphis. 😂😂😂 D. Rose went to Memphis because Callipari. Kentucky was bad for a while until Callipari got there

[@ajg8722]

You mean Derrick rose?

[@benoitwaffle5439]

They have been bad for a while with him. It is 70 losses in the last seven years. In that time, he missed the tournament once, lost in the first round twice, and zero final four appearances. Why do you want to excuse that because he had mid teams with 5-stars?🤣😂🤣

[@koadiewoadie]

This caught me completely off guard

[@jackjackson404]

That one and done is killing him. Can’t keep making miracles with freshmen

[@Diggyace14]

1 miracle and that was mostly due to Anthony Davis.

[@ZiklagStripling]

The problem is he didnt Coach those one and dones well. His system is not made for the tournament. Thats why he struggles against the zone. Coach those young talented players better you will get better results.

[@jackjackson404]

@@ZiklagStripling you can’t keep starting over with freshmen and think your going to be good. Every freshman ain’t great like that. As much as he had some successful players to play in the league a lot didn’t do well. Most players are not that good. It’s over exaggerated

[@ZiklagStripling]

@@jackjackson404Well, I don't agree. With top tier talent you CAN be good. He won alot of games. Just not in the tournament recently. You may not win titles, but you can be better than what they have been. Yes, you will have to teach basic fundamental basketball, just doing that with talented players will get you a long way. UK lost 10 or 11 games and they were terrible on defense. Fundamentally, they were bad. Just being solid on defense fundamentally, they win 5 to 6 more games easy. Not to mention his offensive system is subpar. No creativity, players standing around, very little team movement on offense. Just pick and roll. He just relies on the talent of his players. He brings very little as a coach from the bench. Just my opinion. Give a good coach all that talent Cal has had. Bet it be a little different.

[@kingjohn455]

As a Kentucky fan I can’t believe I’d ever disagree so much with a Duke Alumni. Maybe he just wanted to mediocrity to continue.

[@FoxyMelissa]

Shannon hollering 😂😂😂

[@annjohnson7315]

Do you think Shannon needs anger management.

[@FoxyMelissa]

@@annjohnson7315 I'm not sure if it's anger. It's not animation or passion either 😂