It’s weird to see John Calipari in anything but Kentucky blue, but the new Arkansas Razorbacks coach seems to be loving life with his new team. It seemed like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders after the Kentucky Wildcats didn’t match the offer he got from the Razorbacks.
With all parties now headed in new directions, there’s nothing but positivity surrounding the start of the 65-year-old’s reign in Fayetteville. However, there’s one problem that’s making his rebuild of the Razorbacks program problematic.
He will practically be out of players if he doesn’t get active in the recruitment and transfer portal this offseason.
John Calipari shares that he doesn’t have an Arkansas Razorbacks roster for next season
During his introductory press conference, Calipari talked about the time he met with the team he was taking over, which happened to be non-existent:
We are aware of the situation pic.twitter.com/Wb4xVR21vI
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball 🐗 (@RazorbackMBB) April 11, 2024
Bleacher Report’s Mike Chiari wrote about Calipari’s statement on the situation as well as the list of players leaving the over the offseason:
“I met with the team, there is no team,” Calipari said. … “We gotta get a roster together.”
As pointed out by On3.com’s Barkley Truax, Arkansas has no scholarship players remaining on the roster from last season.
Per Bob Holt of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, forward Trevon Brazile announced his decision to enter the NBA draft this week, while Khalif Battle, Tramon Mark, Layden Blocker, Davonte Davis, Joseph Pinion, Keyon Menifield and Baye Fall have all entered the transfer portals, leaving the Razorbacks with no scholarship players.
It’s going to be tough for Calipari to replenish the Arkansas roster that could play the way he wanted. However, there is always hope on the transfer portal. One of his former players declared his departure from Lexington, and other players from solid programs will also be looking for playing time.
If Calipari effectively uses his reputation and recruitment skills, he can quickly put together a strong Arkansas Razorbacks roster that can instantly compete for the top of the SEC.
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