PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On January 22, the Arkansas Razorbacks celebrated an unexpected victory against Georgia, winning 68-65 in Fayetteville. This win sparked an atypical in-season celebration reminiscent of March Madness—a rarity for coach John Calipari. At that time, the Razorbacks had a lackluster record of 12-7 and were struggling significantly in their first year under Calipari, having started the SEC season with an alarming 0-5 record. The team was averaging only 64 points per game with a shooting percentage of just 38%. The performance had many questioning Calipari's coaching methods and the team's potential. However, the victory over Georgia marked their first win in league play, prompting Calipari to buy champagne and celebrate as if they had captured the SEC title.
Reflecting on the moment, Calipari expressed his surprise at the team's poor start, stating, "I just didn't expect us to be 0-5. I said, 'This is going to be harder than I thought.'" Unfortunately, just three days later, Arkansas lost to Oklahoma, leaving them at 1-6 in the SEC with a daunting return to Rupp Arena approaching. After a full week of anticipation, Calipari returned to the place where he had once coached for 15 years, only to face doubts about his team's capability.
Against all expectations, Arkansas triumphed over Kentucky on February 1, winning 89-79. This victory was pivotal, igniting a remarkable turnaround for the Razorbacks, who have since gone 10-5. Their latest win came against No. 2 seed St. John’s, where they secured a 75-66 victory in the second round of the West Region of the NCAA Tournament. Calipari has now guided four different programs to the Sweet 16, proving that he can still achieve success when many doubted him.
At 66 years old, Calipari is experiencing a season of redemption, characterized by his unique coaching style and a career filled with both spectacular wins and disappointing losses. The recent game against St. John's was intense, marred by a record-setting 44 fouls and 58 free throws, resulting in a combined 3-point shooting percentage of just 9.8%. Despite the game’s chaotic nature, Calipari remained unfazed, stating, "I don't care. It could be an ugly-ugly game and I'm happy we're moving on." His team outperformed expectations by scoring 46 paint points and holding St. John's to only 28% shooting from the field, matching the worst performance of any team coached by Pitino in NCAA Tournament history.
Calipari's vision is clear: he aspires to establish Arkansas as a perennial contender for the national title. Despite the Razorbacks' rough start, he emphasized that they were still in the game, having overcome a mere 2% chance of making the tournament. “They gave us, I believe, a 2% chance of being in the tournament, and we busted through,” Calipari noted.
As the game concluded, CBS cameras captured an emotional moment featuring Calipari’s wife, Ellen, and their daughter, Megan, both in tears. Megan expressed her support for her father, stating, "Mostly why I want my dad to win is because I want him to be happy." She emphasized her pride in Calipari's hard work and the dedication of the team. Ellen echoed these sentiments, noting that the satisfaction of witnessing their family’s struggles transform into success was immensely rewarding.
Calipari has faced criticism throughout his career, especially regarding his coaching style and roster-building strategies. Nonetheless, he has achieved significant accolades, including a national title and nearly leading a team to an undefeated season in 2015. His tenure at Kentucky ended amid controversy, leading him to Arkansas, where he sought a fresh start. However, the pressure remained high, as Megan pointed out, describing this season as particularly taxing for their family.
Calipari's rivalry with Rick Pitino added an extra layer of intensity to the game against St. John’s. Many anticipated that it could be a defining moment in Pitino's coaching revival. The atmosphere was charged, with a sea of red from St. John's fans dominating the stands. However, Calipari managed to spoil Pitino's potential success story, marking a significant victory for Arkansas.
Calipari acknowledged the contributions of his players and staff, who remained steadfast despite the tumultuous season. Freshman guard Boogie Fland's return from injury proved crucial, as he provided the depth needed to defeat two Hall of Fame coaches in just three days. This achievement placed Calipari among an elite group of coaches who have won back-to-back tournament games against Naismith Memorial Hall of Famers.
As the Razorbacks prepare for their next challenge against 3-seed Texas Tech in the Sweet 16, Calipari's resilience and determination have been on full display. With this victory, he solidifies his position as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, even as he continues to navigate the ups and downs of his career. Reflecting on the journey, Calipari remarked, "I'm not mad at anybody... let me try to do it here," indicating his commitment to leading Arkansas to new heights.
In conclusion, John Calipari's journey with the Arkansas Razorbacks has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. As they advance deeper into March Madness, the world will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds, proving once again that in college basketball, anything can happen.
