John Calipari Press Conference - Arkansas vs. Kentucky Preview

John Calipari discusses Arkansas' upcoming game against Kentucky Saturday night in Lexington.

[@Calhoun1713]

I’m a die hard Ky fan and I will be at the game. With that being said I will be clapping and cheering for coach Cal. I’m rooting for him but not when he’s playing Kentucky, but I do appreciate everything you did for the program.

[@KJV-Believer-2018]

Thank you, Coach Cal, for what you did while you was our head coach for a lot of great games and teams.

[@owinriley4846]

From west ky I love cal man dude came to our town with the team after the tornado an helped. talked with our local high school basketball team he’s a good dude an I like him regardless of coach status. It was just time.. wish him the best though!

[@EATSLEEPFARM]

Mayfield?

[@owinriley4846]

@ Dawson springs

[@scottspradlin620]

Love is a strong word

[@owinriley4846]

@ when you show love to people I love I love ya no matter who ya are

[@mr.wildcat405]

Coach Cal, thank you for giving me the best years as a young man in college. Thank you for everything you did for us. You don’t deserve any boos. I’ll always cheer you on, except when playing KY. 😊

[@jmoneyforlife3]

i agree well said

[@steveabner]

I will always be grateful to Cal for saving Ky from a previous coaching disaster. Thank you for everything you've done. I sincerely hope Ky fans show you the respect you deserve when you visit Rupp, no boos needed.

[@skybearer]

Don't worry, he's going to get a standing ovation. We're all proud of what he did with the program, that chapter was just simply over.

[@debsam77]

And if he wins will the cat fans still not boo and I hope you won’t do that!!!

[@mywire]

Haha

[@Suppention]

Should have won 4 or 5 titles here.

[@BS-dq1kz]

@@skybearerI love Cal as a Kentucky fan but this whole situation has me stressed. Really. I’m worried we have more toxic fans than I realized we had and he may get more boos than I would’ve ever thought. I’ve read quite a lot of nasty comments about him. I do feel the majority appreciate and respect him but I’m just nervous about it because of the very loud obnoxiously toxic fans we do have.

[@haldriver1378]

Good luck Cal. Not in Rupp on Saturday, but otherwise. I was in the hotel lobby in NOLA at 1am when y'all got back after the championship game in 2012. Great memories! Everyone has a "bucket list". Mine was simple. Witness my Wildcats win a Natty in person. Thanks Cal!

[@Wetrockstah2116]

As a UK fan one of cals best qualities is getting his guys ready to play on the road in big games. Plus they have had an entire week to prepare too. So y'all might have a chance lol especially considering Kentucky is down key guys ATM

[@Metalhead-l7o]

Thank you cal. From a lifelong Kentucky fan. What you did will never be erased or replaced. With that said. This is the most humble I’ve ever heard him. Because he knows he’s coming home

[@thehikingbird249]

As a diehard Razorback fan, I feel like this is the best I’ve heard from this head coach thus far in his tenure @arkansas. Do your best Cal, we got your back! Woo Pig Sooie Go Hogs!

[@stephensimon7621]

as a life long ky fan, you are the enemy now, but we still love you. Like pitino, when you retire you will be back to get your love.

[@debsam77]

I’m not a fan of neither team but I hope Arkansas wins cause Kentucky just always feels so entitled!!!!

[@BS-dq1kz]

@@debsam77I’m a Kentucky gal so of course I bleed blue. Always been so proud of the CATS and the fans because as Cal said, “We are engaged”, to say the least. More than any other basketball fan base. With that said, I have been disgusted by some of our fans for how they’ve talked about Cal and how he was treated. Make no mistake, he was ran out of BBN by those fans. I’m just praying the toxic fans we do have are fewer than it has felt like the last two years and they just happen to be very loud. I really believe the majority appreciate and respect Cal and he will be treated respectfully when he arrives. If not, I’ll be very disgusted. I would never ever wish for our boys to lose or coach Pope but if we do, those nasty fans will be the ones who deserve it.

[@stephensimon7621]

@@debsam77 all good, but you don't know anything about kentucky basketball, Our fan base is anything by entitled, the kentucky is a poor state and bbn is made up of predominately blue collar working people, we are not Duke. Our love of the wildcats are passed down generation to generation. Don't be confused with the internet which is not real life or represents the fan base. Cheer for who you want all is good, it makes the game fun.

[@RaySterlingIII]

Love Cal as an ambassador for a school. No one can take away the stuff he has done for Kentucky and Kentucky Fans... Dude can recruit and get players ready for the next level, his IN GAME coaching is just horrible and that is his biggest flaw. If he would drop his ego a little as a coach and get his assistants more involved or go to a place where he is just a recuriter and assistant or guide, that is where he excels.

[@michaeltb6276]

That blather about his "in game coaching" being bad is just nonsense. He runs the same sets as everyone else.

[@Calhoun1713]

@@michaeltb6276no it’s not he can’t make in game adjustments to save his life

[@jaflynn34]

Isn't the primary goal of a coach supposed to win seasonal and tournament games? Maybe I'm mistaken.

[@hcellix]

I listened to the Arkansas basketball commentary that was interviewed by AARON TORRES, and he was very critical of Cal. I apologize for forgetting his name, but he is very talented. He said Cal would be fired if he had a bad year next year. Doing that is a huge mistake. Cal will get this Arkansas basketball in shape. He knows what he is doing. He got lazy in Kentucky, and his attitude was all for the players, and the BBN was a secondary consideration. Being equal would have been a better statement from Cal. When you put 15 years into a program, sometimes coaches don't change. I believe Cal knows he needs to be active and smart. I believe he needs three years. You have to remember he is dealing with the NIT, and that changes everything. But Cal is a hell of a great coach. Back him up and protect him. Give him support at every level. That includes seat prices. If you want to play with the big SEC teams you hqve to emulate what they do and come up with your own ideas to keep the crowds and the people at Arkansas to love that guy I mean that. Enough of the get rid of him talk. When Cal thinks he can't do it anymore, he will tell you. He is an honest guy. He is a great guy who is a person who makes mistakes like we all do. The human condition is a vicarious attitude we all like to put on others. So be it. I am now an Arkansas fan, and I will get your name and listen to your programs on KZbin. Again, you are a great commentary and easy to listen to and understand your approach to sometimes complex issues. That means YOU'RE SMART. PS...YOU WILL GROWBTO LIKE HIM. GET INVOLVED WITH HIM. PIT OUT YOUR HAND OF FRIENDSHIP AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT. CLIFF ELLIXSON A KENTUCKY AND ARKANSAS FAN.

[@nickskidmore7220]

Good to see this version of Cal. Hope he’s in this frame of mind come Saturday night. Battle it out and let the chips fall where they may. Cats by 80

[@rondo247]

BIG DJ Wagner game log fan here (both 2024 and 2025 editions). Saturday is my super bowl. 35+ minutes in Rupp. No Rob. No Reed. DJ Wagner vs the game of basketball itself.

[@bassFischer600]

Cal served a purpose at Ky. He exhausted his abilities there. Ky fans have no animosity towards Cal. Thankful he’s at Arkansas. Go big blue!

[@BS-dq1kz]

Great coach. Right here he says there were things they all could’ve done better during the previous games they lost, speaking of the players, other coaches and himself. I hear the few but loud and obnoxious Ky fans saying he always blamed the players. Not true. He has taken accountability when needed and doesn’t when not. I’ve listened to Cal for years as a Kentuckian and he’s a stand up guy. Thank you Cal and Ellen.

[@jodyyonts]

@@BS-dq1kz NO. HE IS NOT.

[@wesleygordon9413]

I am one of his biggest critics over the last five to six years but please don't move Calipari. He brought us back to respect and a national championship.

[@HarveyBlevins-i4h]

See Cal tells u all but u don’t listen. Him and Ark would’ve had a week off but u haven’t started going thru the opponents tape yet? I mean u can’t spend Sat-Thursday just “working on us”. He just doesn’t seem like he understands that in the NIL era u have to be able to coach,scout and adjust during games.

[@Tjmelt]

It’s so different for us because Muss was a scouting master and could tell you about every player on the other team way in advance. It is concerning and a big change for sure

[@whitemojowolf]

At least he didn’t send Chin Coleman for this one

[@camogang]

I have no problem with him wearing his ring. Showing to the crowd hand in the air waving hello

[@MichaelWalls-q2c]

BBN loves you coach Cal.

[@mywire]

Cal is a slime ball

[@codyrockarano5220]

​@@mywire he really isn't. It's honestly just racism because he's Italian. He's a good dude. Just not an X's and O's guy.

[@truck_it_23]

I won't boo ya. You did great things at UK. Go Cats

[@nordicshamanmagic7016]

Coach Cal has always done what is Best for Cal nothing else will change. This is why he is at Arkansas instead of still being at Kentucky his ego is more important than the Schools tradition and program and thats the truth. Go Big Blue.

[@helmfamilyranch3067]

Cal is so miserable. Anyone that knows the guy can clearly see that. He got outflanked by Barnhart. He never meant for this. All I can say is Cal, you let your arrogance and unwillingness to change screw u. All you had to do was adapt and change a little.

[@joeywilson9067]

Exactly. Its really that simple.

[@codyrockarano5220]

He just needs a good assistant. Actually more than 1 but at least 1 would be more than he has now

[@CompassCustomCreations]

WARNING. UK blew it with the 'upgrade' to the upper arena. Cal might care about 50 year fans, the University cares about $$$$$$$ My upper tickets doubled and I was moved to the rafters. Then Cal left. Neither my ticket price nor my seats moved down, but I'm still there! Cal is NOT at Arkansas due to recent success.... I will be at the game on Saturday, I will welcome Cal with the gusto that I welcome every opposing SEC Coach, only more so. Go Big Blue!

[@billyjohnson6976]

Cal won us a national title and a ton of other good and great things . When all said and done he isn’t the one on the floor playing the game so I’m grateful to have some great years . But he’s moved on and so have the cats .

[@bluebloodarkansasbasketball]

not giving up on cal, very likeable coach

[@abeldonaldson9068]

This part of it. He’s a car sales man😭

[@WindyCityHoops]

I’m not sure if likeable is the correct word; arrogant seems more fitting.

[@bluebloodarkansasbasketball]

@ sorry for having an opinion 😂 like foh

[@robertmiranda3741]

Yeah Thanks coach cal for not starting the two best players in the country Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham last yr and ruining our title chances 🙄

[@debsam77]

Oh don’t be an entitled ahole 🙄

[@Jerry-t5j]

I watched bits and pieces of this and if I’m not mistaken Calipari made a comment basically saying he was gonna turn Arkansas basketball into being like Ky in other words, coach I’m not trying to disrespect Arkansas their fans or anyone else but Arkansas basketball will never be like Ky basketball, that would be like saying the Cincy reds are gonna become like the NY Yankees franchise historically, the tradition or whatever you was talking about, was just ridiculous to say something like that.

[@CharlesEdmond79]

Win! 🐗🏀💯

[@donaldbartsch8223]

Cal will at some point have a ky retirement ceremony it just won't be when he steps back on that court come game day. We will always credit him for having great ky teams most years. His problem was and is refusing to change.

[@UKBLUE1]

80% more cheers than boos

[@klkattil7754]

I never liked cal when he was in Kentucky. I didnt like the idea of him coming to Arkansas. But during this losing streak i come to like him as a coach and person. Love how he shoulders the blame and didnt blame his players for how they performed. I hope he does well here. Go hogs

[@helmfamilyranch3067]

Trust me. Cal is super SWAGGY but he’s not a good dude. He just knows how to make you like him. He’s not putting any work in at Arkansas that’s why git rid of him. He didn’t throw his legacy away, he retired. We had to move him out because he retired. He’s just using Arkansas to finish the contract.

[@joen4484]

Same song and dance, love watch ya did. I'm. Sorry my brother.

[@Johnnycash8686]

Arkansas wins by 5 go hogs go gettem cal

[@freedomforall5071]

ANOTHER GUARANTEED WIN FOR KENTUCKY!

[@codyrockarano5220]

Just like Ohio State and Vandy

[@Okay0707]

And Georgia and Clemson​@@codyrockarano5220

[@freedomforall5071]

On the road losses!

[@codyrockarano5220]

@@freedomforall5071 so? It's still a basketball game. Didn't help Tennessee or Miss St win their games against us

[@canyonharbin4642]

Just here for the receipts!! Sit down

[@jaflynn34]

Easy to say when you got paid well and while not producing. Of course he loves Kentucky fans, many are stupid.

[@jaflynn34]

Anybody want to place a bet on whether Cal wins more than 1 tournament game in the next 3 years?

[@RomansTwelve12Two]

1:53 bro cut himself off because he knew they didn't do NOTHING 🤣

[@helmfamilyranch3067]

Did Cal say the kids aren’t robots? I logged how many times he’s said it. 3,445 times. Is CAL a robot?

[@hagenpearce1687]

It’s Thursday and ur not watching tape??!?

[@BrentJones-g2x]

So weird hearing him say “worry about Kentucky.” Just doesn’t feel right

[@Donhoish]

"Hope they have on red socks." They won't

[@bigbarneyross9707]

Mad respect for Cal, now let's beat them by 30🎉

[@jerrygaunce1472]

4 sec championship and 1 ncca championship tuby was better coach

[@DouglasThomas-n6w]

You hog fans get you some Kentucky fried Chicken 🐓 some Jefferson's bourbon drink the whole bottle you're going to need it UK fans are going to be eating raw hog come Saturday😅

[@mywire]

Typical cal. It’s always about him

[@Nobody-n2m]

IS THIS WHERE I CAN GET MY HOG SLOBBERED?

[@canyonharbin4642]

Dang. I guess not. Didn’t age too well

[@freedomforall5071]

KENTUCKY WILDCATS 105 ARKANSAS LOSERBACK 73

[@canyonharbin4642]

lol

[@edp4708]

It’s just another conference road game in a hostile arena.

[@abeldonaldson9068]

It ain’t

[@helmfamilyranch3067]

Ummm….. Arkansas has won ONE title cal, not two. Wow. Don’t even know your own programs history.

[@mywire]

BOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

[@GaryMaxie-z5d]

Those players cal has they didn't have to go they left with him

[@starful9493]

Booo.. Glad caliparie is gone he never did nothing for our players ..he threw games it was all about the money .. we made this man rich and he never did nothing to deserve it . We I'll beat you cal . Cause we know how you coach ..

[@canyonharbin4642]

Oh how this aged. Haha

[@shaneperkins7657]

Cats 96 hogs 44

[@bluetick2529]

U out ur mind! Hogs 103 kittens 84

[@codyrockarano5220]

​@@bluetick2529 brother the first guy is crazy ill grant you but saying Arkansas will sniff 100 is honestly less likely than his comment.

[@canyonharbin4642]

Hahaha

[@codyrockarano5220]

@@canyonharbin4642 you already know each player played the game of their life. So just stop before you miss the tourney. This was your best win, and our worst loss. By a country mile.

[@codyrockarano5220]

@@canyonharbin4642 yall come out of the woodworks.

[@elmerfudpucker5387]

No Arkansas fan roots for Cal. They root for Arkansas to win, but not for Cal. If Calipari wasn't the head coach at Arkansas, Arkansas fans would be enjoying his struggles. Pope put together a more complete team and I'm sure Kentucky fans feel like they've upgraded.