Skip to main content

John Calipari Brought Out All of the Kentucky Stars to Rupp Arena

Nick-Roush-headshotby:Nick Roushabout 10 hours

RoushKSR

Former Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith is the Y at Rupp Arena, vis Dr. Michael Huang, KSR
Former Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith is the Y at Rupp Arena, vis Dr. Michael Huang, KSR

The John Calipari Reunion was the hottest Rupp Arena ticket in years. Everybody who was anybody wanted to be in Lexington to see Kentucky vs. Arkansas.

The final score probably isn’t what they anticipated, but we can just not talk about that for a moment. Instead, let’s think about something happier. Like Tubby Smith.

If you recall, Tubby Smith ran into John Calipari and Mark Pope at the Final Four in Phoenix. At the time, Cal was still the Kentucky head coach and Pope was leading the BYU program. This time it meant that three Kentucky basketball coaches were all under one roof when Tubby came onto the floor to be the ceremonial Y.

There were quite a few Kentucky football greats who made their way to Rupp Arena. Ray Davis, Dru Phillips, Tim Couch, and Wan’Dale Robinson were in the building. Not many people had better seats than Randall Robb.

Former Kentucky WR Randall Cobb with his family at the Arkansas game, via Dr. Michael Huang, KSR
Former Kentucky WR Randall Cobb with his family at the Arkansas game, via Dr. Michael Huang, Kentucky Sports Radio

The Kentucky football program hosted recruits for the game and so did Mark Pope. Tay Kinney was in the building with a couple of future Cats.

Of all the people in attendance for Saturday night’s game at Rupp Arena, none fascinates me more than this. John Robic was John Calipari’s righthand man for years. The basketball brains behind the operation, many believed the root of many problems for Calipari in Lexington started when the two had a falling out. Who do we think Robic was cheering for, Kentucky or Arkansas?

The game wasn’t all about who was there, but who couldn’t make it. Bob Holt was a legendary reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette who passed away suddenly after suffering a cardiac event while covering a Razorbacks football game against Missouri. A staple around the SEC, thanks to the UK Sports Information Department for saving him a seat Saturday night.

Want more coverage of the Cats? Join KSR+

KSR has been delivering UK Sports news in the most ridiculous manner for almost two decades. Now, you can get even more coverage of the Cats with KSR+. In the middle of the transfer portal cycle and an exciting Kentucky basketball season, now is the perfect time to join our online community. Subscribe now for premium articles, in-depth scouting reports, inside intel, bonus recruiting coverage, and access to KSBoard, our message board featuring thousands of Kentucky fans around the globe. Come join the club.

Discuss This Article

Comments have moved.

Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.

KSBoard

2025-02-02