John Calipari isn’t concerned with Kentucky’s success this postseason. Now coaching at Arkansas, the longtime Wildcats head coach made it clear that he’s only focused on his current team as they prepare for the Sweet 16.
Both Arkansas and Kentucky have advanced to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament, but Calipari dismissed any comparisons between the two programs during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show.”
“No, not worried about them,” Calipari said when asked about his former school. “This season has been the most rewarding season I’ve had. Seasons where we won more games, national titles, Final Fours—I’ve had all those. But what this team has been through to survive it, it’s been as rewarding as any season.”
Calipari emphasized the challenges his Arkansas players have faced, from navigating NIL pressure to managing expectations placed on them from outside sources. He credited their toughness and character for getting through the adversity.
“These kids, all of them, have pianos on their backs because of NIL. It’s a piano,” Calipari said. “Social media. Talk radio. All that stuff is out there that they got to deal with.”
While Kentucky is set to face Tennessee in their Sweet 16 matchup, Arkansas will play Texas Tech. The only way the two schools could meet would be in the national championship game.
Calipari has leaned on both transfer portal additions and key freshmen to lead Arkansas this season. Several of his former Kentucky players, including DJ Wagner and Zvonimir Ivisic, followed him to Fayetteville and have contributed to the Razor backs’ run.
