What John Calipari’s first season as Kentucky coach could mean for Arkansas basketball

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It’s official: John Calipari is the next coach for Arkansas basketball.

The former SEC foe and Kentucky basketball coach replaces Eric Musselman, who departed for a job with USC earlier this offseason. Following a 15-year stint with the Wildcats, Calipari brings NCAA Tournament experience and a championship pedigree to Arkansas. Following four straight 20-win seasons to open the Musselman era, the Razorbacks went 16-17 last season.

REQUIRED READING: ‘It’s another level’: What impact will John Calipari have on Arkansas basketball recruiting?

Calipari, who wrapped up his 15th season in Lexington, Kentucky and led Kentucky to its eighth national championship during the 2011-12 season, now brings his basketball knowledge to the Razorbacks. Calipari had a 410-123 record, six SEC Tournament championships, six SEC regular season championships, a runner-up finish and four Final Four appearances with Kentucky. He also led UMass and Memphis to the Final Four in 1996 and 2008, making him one of just two coaches to take three programs to the NCAA Tournament semifinals (Rick Pitino; Providence, Kentucky, Louisville).

In his first season with Kentucky, Calipari led the Wildcats to a 35-3 mark and a 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2009-10. Here’s what that could mean for Arkansas in its first season under Calipari:

Look back at John Calipari’s first season at Kentucky

Four days after Memphis was eliminated from the 2009 NCAA Tournament, Calipari was officially announced as the new Kentucky coach on March 30, 2009. He did not take long to make significant recruiting noise with the Wildcats. On May 19, 2009, Kentucky got a commitment from John Wall, the No. 2 overall recruit and No. 2 point guard in the cycle, per 247Sports Composite. Wall specifically pointed out that playing for Calipari was a reason for his commitment.

Along with fellow 5-star recruits DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, and Daniel Orton, the Wildcats also returned Patrick Patterson, Darius Miller, DeAndre Liggins, and Josh…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/john-caliparis-first-season-kentucky-152357519.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-04-10 15:23:57

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