Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope talks about former UK coach John Calipari ahead of his return to Rupp Arena with the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday night.

“As you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari,” Pitino said. “I respect him, certainly, but it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves. He needed a change, and he really didn’t want to leave.

The coaching contract details for Mark Pope at Kentucky and John Calipari at Arkansas ahead of Saturday’s SEC basketball showdown in Rupp Arena.

All eyes will be on Lexington this Saturday night when John Calipari makes his long-awaited return to Rupp Arena. To preview what’s in store for No. 12 Kentucky’s matchup with the struggling Arkansas Razorbacks,

Contrast that success with Calipari’s first Arkansas team, which needed six tries to notch its first SEC win of the year, and Kentucky fans figure to have plenty of ammunition Saturday. The Razorbacks are just 12-8 overall, and their 1-6 start to SEC play has them looking like a long shot for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Rick Pitino returned to Rupp Arena to face UK in 2001. John Calipari will face Kentucky basketball in Lexington next. How will his experience compare?

Rick Pitino knows a thing or two about leaving Kentucky -- and returning. And now with John Calipari set to return to Rupp Arena with Arkansas on Saturday night (9 p.m., ESPN), the St. John’s coach has some advice on how Big Blue Nation should treat their former coach.

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats are getting ready to head to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores. There should be a good amount of Kentucky fans

As Arkansas basketball's John Calipari comes back to Kentucky, Rick Pitino has a message.

Kentucky hosts Arkansas basketball for John Calipari's first game against the Wildcats. Here's everything to know about the matchup, including best ticket prices and start time for the SEC game at Rupp Arena.

The Kentucky Wildcats were in the final five for 2025 recruit Alijah Arenas, but the top ten guard chose the USC Trojans.