Pitino: I hope UK fans give Calipari ‘big’ ovation

• Myron MedcalfJan 30, 2025, 04:39 PM ET Close Covers college basketball

• Joined ESPN.com in 2011
• Graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato

Rick Pitino understands how John Calipari might feel when the former Kentucky coach go back to Lexington on Saturday as Arkansas visits the 12th-ranked Wildcats.Pitino’s very first go to there– and many after– was hostile in part since he returned as the coach of Louisville, Kentucky’s greatest rival.But Pitino, who was accused of using an offensive gesture towards the crowd after a game at Rupp Arena in 2015, stated he hopes Kentucky’s fans will reveal grace to Calipari, whose tenure ended last season after 3 consecutive first-weekend exits in the NCAA competition before he accepted the Arkansas job.Editor’s Picks”So he’s coming back on Saturday, and I desire all of you to show the fantastic class that you have: 23,000-plus people giving him

a big standing ovation, “Pitino, now the coach at St. John’s, stated in a video published Thursday to social media.”Show him what respect and adoration is all about. I know you have the class. I’ve always believed in you. Do it once again. “Calipari was the king of the one-and-done era at Kentucky. From 2011 to 2015, he led the program to four Last Four appearances in 5 seasons, a run that consisted of the 2012 nationwide championship.But Calipari’s time at Kentucky ended with a turbulent stretch and losses to double-digit seeds Saint Peter’s and Oakland in 2022 and 2024, respectively, in the NCAA tournament.Earlier this week, Calipari said the return could include different emotions.” Strolling because arena, storied arena, and walking in the wrong door, the other door, “Calipari stated throughout his weekly radio program before Saturday’s game.”Seeing my pals the night before. Having my good friends–

dear friends, lifelong pals– however they’re Kentucky fans. Their entire life they’ve been Kentucky fans. John Calipari (2012)and Rick Pitino(1996) both coached Kentucky to championship games. AP Photo/The Lexington Herald-Leader, Mark Cornelison”I just hope they’re neutral, however they are Kentucky fans. We offered our heart and soul. [My better half] resembled a mother to those kids. So yes, there is going to be some emotion. “If anybody knows how Calipari feels, it’s Pitino, who

went from beloved coach to opponent in the eyes of Kentucky’s fans after leading the Wildcats to the 1996 nationwide title only to leave a year later for the Boston Celtics.Pitino said he hopes Kentucky fans will remember the good things Calipari did during his time there.” Toughest day of my training career at Louisville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,”he stated in the video.”I tried not to reveal it, but the reception– it tore me up apart, since I enjoyed that place so much.” As you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari.

I respect him definitely, however it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John checked out the tea leaves. He needed a modification. And he truly didn’t want to leave. But what did he provide for you? He brought the very best talent in the history of the game of any university in America to Lexington. He likewise won a national championship. His design of play was exceptionally entertaining.”