John Calipari reflects on decision to take Arkansas job, leave Kentucky

John Calipari shocked the college basketball world over the offseason, when he decided to jet for Arkansas and end his tenure with the Kentucky Wildcats.

After sustained success in Lexington, Calipari’s status had become a point of contention, as it seemed like Kentucky would continually underperform in the NCAA Tournament. The Razorbacks decided they wanted Calipari, and he wanted a new challenge. Mark Pope slid into his role with the Wildcats, and the rest is history.

While Pope has shown tremendous signs of being capable throughout his first season, old wounds are being re-opened on Saturday, as Calipari will return to Rupp Arena for the first time with the Razorbacks. All eyes will be on the showdown, as the head coach waltzes back into the historic arena.

Ahead of Arkansas-Kentucky, Calipari took some time to reflect on his decision, believing it was simply time to move on from the program in Lexington, but he looks at it as both sides being better off than they were if they continued on together.

“I will cherish this 15 years, but it was time,” Calipari told ESPN’s Jimmy Dykes. “I’ve said it before, until that [opportunity at Arkansas] was presented, it didn’t really enter my mind. When that opportunity was presented, then it’s like, ‘Wait a minute,’ and it ends up being good for me, and my family. I want this to — over a five year period, let’s see where this goes.

“I’m hoping this year we get it going. And it’s good. Mark Pope’s doing a great job. Like, a great job. So, it’s a win-win.”

While Calipari may be a bit emotional about returning to Kentucky, it’ll be a must-win game for the Razorbacks, who are 1-6 in conference play this season and third from last place in the SEC standings. There will be no time for sentimentally.

In comparison, Kentucky is having an excellent debut campaign under head coach Mark Pope. The Wildcats have six wins against Top-15 teams this season and are coming off a 78-73 upset win on the road against Tennessee.

Neither team will be at full strength for the highly-anticipated showdown. Earlier this month, Arkansas guard Boogie Fland suffered a season-ending hand injury. On Kentucky’s side, the Wildcats will be without second-leading scorer Lamont Butler.

Time will tell if John Calipari can lead Arkansas to a win inside Rupp Arena, or if Mark Pope can further endear himself to Kentucky fans by defeating his predecessor. They’ll square off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, with the game airing live on ESPN.

— On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this article.