Calipari: Focus is on players, not Rupp reception
Jan 31, 2025, 09:44 PM ET
On the eve of his extremely prepared for return to Rupp Arena, Arkansas coach John Calipari said he isn’t sure how Kentucky fans will treat him when the groups tip off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday– nor is he concerned about it.
“The fans ought to have the ability to do what they desire,” Calipari said in an interview with ESPN’s Jimmy Dykes. “If they wish to boo. If they wish to cheer. I’m not expecting an overwhelming [reaction] due to the fact that I’m an opposing coach and I’m can be found in here not to lose this game. And so I get it. It’s a big game for the fans. ‘We got to squash Cal and Arkansas and all that.’ I get it.
“My focus is going to be right on these lines, right there,” he added, motioning to the court in front of him. “And my focus is going to be on my kids. How do I keep them going?”
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The reception Calipari gets in Kentucky has actually been a talking point ahead of the game, his very first at Rupp considering that his surprising choice in April to join the Razorbacks after 15 seasons leading the Wildcats. His time in Lexington, Kentucky, included a lot of success– a national title in 2012, 4 Final Fours in his very first six seasons and the Elite Eight in 2017 and 2019– something not lost on him amid his return.But he said it’s the bonds he made that stick out. “When you invest 15 years of your life and you’re gathering individuals, gathering buddies. … Collecting support for the program– goodwill support for the program. You do not forget that,”he said. “My pals, most of them matured here, so they’re Kentucky fans. They’re Kentucky fans tomorrow. I simply hope they have red socks on. So you don’t lose that. You do not erase it. “I will treasure this 15
years. But it was time. “Kentucky enters the game 15-5 and ranked 12th in the nation under brand-new coach Mark Pope. Calipari’s Razorbacks have not been as fortunate, with just one SEC win and a 12-8 record.Calipari acknowledged the growing pains, noting he’s still trying to construct culture at Arkansas and acknowledging he could have done some things differently. But he also stated what he discovered at Kentucky is assisting him through the rough patches.”You find out [at Kentucky] winning matters,”he told ESPN. “The fans are engaged. And I wasn’t fearful of it. And I would say the very same now. Training this game, you got ta coach it fearless or you have no possibility at winning. “Winning Saturday will be hard, Calipari stated– “You know why? Since they’re
a great team and they’re well-coached “– however he acknowledged the feelings of the night could be difficult for him, too, specifically ideal before tipoff.”There will be a rush of feelings, “he stated.”I hope I’m not checking out the
seats because I have some buddies [there] and then you get emotional. And I do not want to get psychological. However this was 15 years of [partner] Ellen and I– she was like a mother to these kids. … 15 years of my life where you offer everything. And not only basketball.”