John Calipari left his perch in Lexington after five below average season at Kentucky.
Comes to Arkansas, inherits one player of last year’s team. Signs the best transfer class along with impressive 5-stars and has roster touted as top-15.
He sees BOTH star transfers Nelly & Aidoo go down to injury BEFORE the season starts.
Coaches team to 11-3 start in non-conference with all players available TWICE.
Starts SEC play 0-5, embarrassed by Tennessee. Both transfers appear to be misses and then Boogie Fland goes down to a broken thumb.
This team beats stout UGA team at home, loses in final seconds to OU at home to 1-6 and far off the NCAA Tournament bubble.
Instead of seeing Arkansas fold, they DOMINATE Kentucky inside Rupp Arena, defeat Texas in Austin, lose a heartbreaker to then No. 3 Bama which could’ve put this team firmly in the field.
Back-to-back road losses to No. 1 Auburn, No. 8 A&M made my stomach sink, heart hurt for this team knowing how close they were even at 4-8 In the SEC.
They refuse to lose going 4-1 close the regular season with an offense that penetrates the lane while knocking a steady 35% from three and shooting 28 FT’s per game. They became a physical squad, gritty, determined, fighters! Arkansas wouldn’t be denied!
Then, as a 10-seed, Calipari out-coaches fellow hall of famers Bill Self & Rick Pitino to reach the Sweet 16. Coach has shushed his haters and doubters since coming to Arkansas. Says this is the most fun he’s had coaching a group of players.
Proud to see this Arkansas team leave everything they have on the floor each night. Who knows how or when this season ends but it’s been a heck of a ride so far.
JOHN FREAKING CALIPARI IS BACK!
