People are still recovering from the reality of John Calipari ditching the Kentucky Wildcats in favor of the Arkansas Razorbacks. Even after the Kentucky Wildcats made another first-round exit in March Madness, many believed that what Calipari built in Lexington wouldn’t be replaced that easily.
However, a recent report reveals that the move shouldn’t be as shocking as it would seem to both sets of fans. Calipari’s personal connection with one of the program’s most influential figures secured his future with the team.
John Calipari’s connections sealed his move to the Arkansas Razorbacks
The Spun’s Andrew Holleran reported that the long-time Kentucky coach decided to switch teams due to his relationship with one of the biggest donors of the Arkansas program:
Multiple reports have confirmed that Coach Cal and the Razorbacks are in serious talks. CBS Sports insider Matt Norlander confirmed the news on Sunday night.
“The Tyson family (biggest Arkansas donor) is prepared to make a major commitment to bring Cal to Arkansas, sources said. Calipari is very close with the Tyson family and has been for years. The story is gaining volume because major boosters are optimistic this can happen.”
Calipari making the move after many of the narratives surrounding him was whether he would still have a job after consecutive disappointing seasons with the Wildcats took plenty of people by surprise. Moreover, the Razorbacks had the third-worst record in the SEC, so one of the country’s top recruiters intentionally downgraded to get a better opportunity.
College hoops world reacts to Calipari leaving for the Arkansas Razorbacks
The sudden move rattled plenty of college basketball fans and media. Calipari was Kentucky, after all. He built the program to become one of the best destinations for blue-chip players who want to become NBA players.
Pundits and fans quickly gave their two cents after news of the move broke:
“Calipari fighting to convince UK to keep him around just to leave for a conference rival a few weeks later is incredible, can’t believe this is actually going to happen,” Mark Titus wrote.
“When a conference rival is gleeful you might be taking their coach away, perhaps that should tell you about said coach,” Bryan Fischer added.
“I can’t wait to see how this has progressed when I wake up in the morning,” Adam Jardy joked.
“John Calipari and his Armani suits…playing with the Pigs in the mud. Who would have ever predicted this???” another fan wrote.
Maybe Calipari saw the writing on the wall that his time with the Wildcats was quickly coming to an end. With the way the media was talking about his future after Kentucky’s latest March Madness run, it was probably the right time to jump ship.
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