Why John Calipari, Arkansas basketball hired former Louisville coach Kenny Payne

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas basketball is about to embark on a new era under John Calipari, but there will be plenty of familiar faces along side the longtime Kentucky head coach.

The Razorbacks brought in three former Wildcats as transfers and another three high school recruits who were previously committed to Kentucky. Calipari also hired a pair of assistant coaches and a whole swath of support staff members from Lexington

But the biggest name of Calipari’s assistants is Kenny Payne, who most recently served as Louisville’s head coach. He spent 10 years on Calipari’s Kentucky staff before a brief stint with the New York Knicks brought Payne to Louisville.

Payne experienced a brutal tenure with the Cardinals, going 12-52 and only winning five ACC games across two years.

Calipari wants Payne to forget those struggles.

“I looked at Kenny and I said, ‘What I want you to remember, you’re Kenny — I used an adjective — Payne,” Calipari said. “Don’t you forget that. And I want you to come here and be that same guy.”

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At a Tuesday press conference previewing practice and the upcoming tip-off tour to Hot Springs and Pine Bluff, Calipari shared a variety of reasons why he brought Payne to Fayetteville.

According to the Arkansas head coach, Payne brings invaluable experience to the staff, from his offensive and defensive game plans down to his recruiting. In a brand new program, Calipari felt it was important that there was already a strong comfort level between himself and his top assistant.

But Calipari also believes Payne will dramatically help his players. At Kentucky, Payne helped the Wildcats win the 2012 NCAA Championship, play for the 2014 NCAA Championship, advance to four Final Fours and reach a total of eight Sweet 16s.

“I want guys on this staff that bring value to young people. They don’t need to tell me…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-john-calipari-arkansas-basketball-174040578.html

Author : Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record

Publish date : 2024-10-01 17:40:40

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