Calipari Jokingly Plays Coy on Razorbacks, Kentucky Game

Wildcats, Razorbacks speaking highly of one another at SEC Tip-Off 2025 in Birmingham

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. / Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas coach John Calipari pretended not to know the Feb.1 date immediately circled on the calendar by Arkansas and Kentucky basketball fans when the schedule first came out.

"What's February 1st?" Calipari asked. "That's my dad's birthday."

Currently it's potentially a game between a pair of Top 25 teams. Arkansas opens the year ranked No. 16 and Kentucky ranked No. 23.

Both coaches spoke highly of each other. Kentucky coach Mark Pope, Calipari's successor, isn't foreign to the Wildcats having claimed a national championship as a player with Kentucky in 1996 in his second season.

Mark Pope, new head coach at the University of Kentucky, speaks during SEC Media Day at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. / Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"They hired a perfect guy for that job," Calipari said. "Part of it is he played there, graduated there, has a heart for the place and has an idea what that is. It's a different place if you're just walking in. He's been there and understands it. He and I have talked."

Pope returned the favor in compliments and expressed gratefulness for their relationship.

"You'll never hear me say a negative work about Coach Cal because there's not at lot to say," Pope said. "He's a Hall of Fame coach. As a die-hard Kentucky fan and alumnus and former player, I am grateful for everything, all the incredible things that Cal accomplished at the University of Kentucky. He's also been a good friend. He's been a terrific mentor, and he's always been generous to Lee Anne and I as we've gone through our coaching journey."

Kentucky Wildcats forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) fights for the rebound against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (2) during their game on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Rupp Arena. / Clare Grant/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The date is still over three months away, but the sentiment from both coaches was the same. Rooting for each other, just not on that fateful day.

"I'll be rooting for him," Calipari said. "I want Kentucky — come on, man, 15 years. I gave my heart and soul. I want them to do well, except — what date? Okay, that date."

Before the game against Kentucky, the Razorbacks have two exhibitions and 20 regular-season games first, starting with a exhibition against No. 1 Kansas. Tipoff is scheduled for Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on SEC Network.

HOGS FEED:

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• John Calipari's trust spans generations with four Razorbacks

• National analyst on Calipari making move to Arkansas | SEC Media Day

• Razorbacks must contend with elite offensive lineman from LSU on Saturday

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