John Calipari wants to bring national championship to Arkansas

John Calipari is the most players first coach in college basketball. No one can argue that. That overall philosophy started to grow stale once the winning percentage started to shrink at Kentucky. Many in the Big Blue Nation believed that the Hall of Fame head coach was not committed to winning at the highest level.

Cal’s first season at Arkansas included a 1-6 start in SEC play, a long season on the bubble, a huge upset win against Rick Pitino in the Round of 32, and an unbelievable late second half meltdown against Texas Tech in the Sweet 16. The 22-14 finish was the ultimate Cal experience. Meanwhile, the recruiting operation has not changed for the former UMass, Memphis, and Kentucky head coach. Yet, Cal wants the Woo Pig Nation to know that his ultimate goal is to win a title.

Calipari’s second team at Arkansas will include returnees Trevon Brazile, Karter Knox, D.J. Wagner, and Billy Richmond III. Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas were top-15 recruits who will likely open the season as starters in the backcourt. Florida State transfer Malique Ewin was a big addition in the portal who should be a plug-and-play starter. This is a top-20 team on paper but it doesn’t necessarily look national title good.

Could Cal prove all of the doubters wrong? The SEC is set to be loaded again in 2025-26, and Kentucky figures to be firmly in contention status. Meanwhile, Arkansas star guard Boogie Fland will be playing for Florida this season. Things are much different in this conference and this sport than it used to be.

John Calipari is committed to building his basketball teams via high school recruiting with the one-and-done model and limited portal usage. Is that good enough to win a title? Many are skeptical. Kentucky’s goal is the same but the roster-building strategy is different in Lexington.