John Calipari reveals he's rooting for Kentucky, new coach Mark Pope

In the most shocking move of the college basketball offseason, Kentucky coach John Calipari walked away from the Bluegrass State and headed to Arkansas, where he took the job as the head coach for the Razorbacks.

That left a void at Kentucky, one the Wildcats quickly filled with former player Mark Pope, snatching him away from his post at BYU.

And on Tuesday at SEC Media Days, Calipari praised his successor.

“I think they hired a perfect guy for that job, and part of it is because he played there, graduated from there, has a heart for the place and has an idea what that is,” John Calipari said. “When I walked in, I had coach (Joe B.) Hall. I had coach (Tubby) Smith, too, but coach Hall. And you almost, it’s a different place if you’re just walking in. He’s been there and understands it.”

The long-time Kentucky coach would certainly have a good feel for the pressure of the job there. It’s something Pope will have to navigate as he gets his feet settled under him.

Presumably it’s something he’s picked John Calipari’s brain on already. Calipari noted the two have had some discussions already.

“He and I have talked. He said, ‘I am fully immersed in what I’m doing,'” Calipari said. “I’m like, ‘You won’t believe this, I’m doing a lot of stuff and I don’t have time for any of the other stuff, any of the things out there,’ but I’ll be rooting for him.”

John Calipari won a national title at Kentucky and reached the Final Four four times. Those are the kind of expectations Pope will walk in with.

But Calipari also hopes that the new coach is successful. He spent so long with the Wildcats a part of his soul remained with the program.

“I want Kentucky to win,” John Calipari said. “C’mon, 15 years, gave my heart and soul. I want them to do well, expect one date. But no, he’s a good man, terrific basketball coach. They hired the right guy. They really did.”