John Calipari on surviving changing landscape: 'Recruiting is recruiting'

John Calipari began a new chapter this offseason, accepting the offer to become Arkansas‘ next head coach. Despite Calipari’s new job title, he claims he still boasts the same strengths that earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

“If you’ve historically followed me, recruiting has been fine,” Calipari said. “Whether it’s transfers, whether it’s freshmen — recruiting is recruiting. Can you add value to a young man and his family? Can you help him get where he’s trying to go?

“Do you make it about him? Do you have a history? Do they do their homework? Have you prepared young people like him? Or, is it solely about NIL? Then, you don’t come with us.”

Calipari did not hesitate to show off his recruiting prowess immediately after taking over in Fayetteville. Arkansas has added fifth-year senior Johnell Davis, senior Jonas Aidoo and junior Adou Thiero, via the NCAA Transfer Portal. The three upperclassmen boast a combined 263 game appearances and 117 starts in their careers.

Arkansas has also added Kentucky transfers Zvonimir Ivisic and DJ Wagner, who will both be sophomores in the 2024-25 season. To pile on, Calipari secured commitments from former 2024 Kentucky signees Boogie Fland, Karter Knox and Billy Richmond.

John Calipari reveals his recruiting pitch

Calipari emphasized it will not be easy to be a Razorback but it will be rewarding.

“This is a culture of achievement,” Calipari said. “Seeing the best version of yourself and working harder than you’ve ever worked. Having people say, ‘I knew he was good. I didn’t know he was that good.’ All that stuff plays a part in this and kind of separates what you’re doing.

“It was hard because I had no players. There was no team. We’re at eight now and I’m ecstatic. I’m looking for one more guy and that’s what we’re gonna have.”

Calipari’s hesitancy to fill his roster is largely due to the current state of the transfer portal. The 65-year-old head coach previously expressed his concerns for investing time and money into players toward the bottom of the depth chart only for them to transfer after the season.

However, he will face the risk of fatigue if his team faces injuries during the season. Despite any concerns, John Calipari is thrilled about the upcoming season.

“We’re in good shape right now. I’m juiced about it,” Calipari said. “Like, let’s go.”