John Calipari reacts to Rick Pitino asking Kentucky fans not to boo him in Rupp Arena return

Ahead of John Calipari’s highly anticipated return to Rupp Arena on the opposing sideline, Rick Pitino had a request for Big Blue Nation. A former Kentucky coach himself, he asked Wildcats fans not to boo Calipari as he comes back as Arkansas’ head coach.

After Pitino’s video went viral, Calipari reacted in his final press conference before tip-off. He acknowledged Pitino’s sentiment and pointed out the passion Kentucky fans have.

Calipari had a 410-123 record during his time in Lexington. He got to see BBN at the highest of highs after leading Kentucky to a national title in 2012, but also saw a low low when UK missed the NCAA Tournament in 2021. The constant, though, was a passionate fan base, and he expects nothing less come Saturday.

“That’s nice of him to do,” Calipari said of Pitino. “Look, those fans are so engaged, like these fans. Those fans travel. If you’re doing well, they’re crazy. If you’re doing poorly, they’re just as engaged. I was there 15 years. I love the fans there. They’re engaged.”

Pitino, of course, knows what it’s like to walk in as an opponent for the first time – although he did it with a big-time rival. He recalled his first trip back to Rupp as Louisville head coach in 2001 and called on Kentucky fans to recall the good of Calipari’s tenure.

“I didn’t steer you wrong with Mark Pope when I sent out that last video, and I certainly won’t steer you wrong with this video,” Pitino began. “The toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville is when I had to walk into Rupp Arena. I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception, it tore me up apart because I loved that place so much. It’s interesting because I was speaking to Ed Cooley just recently about Providence and he said he almost was brought to tears because of the bad feelings he got going back there.

“But this is different. And, as you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him, certainly. But it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves. He needed a change. And he really didn’t want to leave. But what did he do for you? He brought the best talent in the history of the game, of any university in America, to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining. So he’s coming back on Saturday, and I want all of you to show the great class that you have – 23,000-plus people giving him a huge standing ovation. Show him what respect and admiration’s all about. I know you have the class. I’ve always believed in you. Do it once again.”