Kentucky fans feel every emotion after John Calipari's departure to Arkansas
John Calipari's 15-year tenure in Lexington is over as the former head coach of the Wildcats is taking over Arkansas basketball and many fans are happy to see him go, though others fear the future without Coach Cal's recruiting dominance.
By Josh Yourish
Fans have power, especially when those fans are Big Blue Nation. Now, multiple reports say that the Kentucky fanbase played a significant role in John Calipari’s departure from Kentucky to Arkansas.
Sources close to John Calipari say he had bad feelings about his situation at Kentucky, and that the lack of support had grown to the point where he didn’t feel like he could stay on because he didn’t feel wanted. The assets Arkansas put in place convinced him to make this move.
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) April 8, 2024
John Calipari didn’t feel wanted because what Big Blue Nation wanted was a ninth championship, and with just one NCAA Tournament win since 2019, Coach Cal wasn’t anywhere near it. The fanbase was ready to move on and now Calipari has, but not everyone was on board with the move.
I think we will regret this departure. #BBN #ranhimOFF
— Chuck (@c_hayes44) April 8, 2024
Some members of Big Blue Nation were happy with the status quo and others even cited the NBA success of Calipari’s former players as a big reason. Apparently, Coach Cal constantly talking about how NBA draft day was the most important day actually got through to a portion of the championship-starved supporters.
Calipari still had loyal fans to the end in Lexington.
Lifetime Kentucky basketball fan here. My father was too so believe me when I say I am heartbroken that ESPN is reporting that John Calipari is leaving as the Wildcats head coach. If true, this is heartbreaking and the few fans that support it will regret running him out of town.
— Jim Adkins (@TheJimAdkins) April 8, 2024
Some even believe that Calipari is bigger than Kentucky basketball and will revitalize his career with a revenge tour centered around a stop at Rupp Arena.
Reality is....
— Dave-O (@BigBlueNationD1) April 8, 2024
Arkansas will come into Rupp next year and totally wip our ass and you know it just be prepared yall Calipari will make it a mission to do so...#BBN
However, it appears that the majority of Big Blue Nation is glad to be freed from the unhappy marriage between Cal and Kentucky. It’s evident to these members of Big Blue Nation that change was inevitable and frankly overdue.
It’s going to be nice to have a coach that cares about winning championships instead of draft night again. #BBN
— cobbycobb (@cobbycobb_UK) April 8, 2024
Bye John Calipari. Guess you couldn’t handle BBN holding you accountable. Good luck Arkansas fans. Enjoy following your future NBA players while your program gets run into the ground.
— Legal Voter (@LegalVoter1975) April 8, 2024
Others even went so far as to tear down the strongest parts of Calipari’s resume and legacy. Yes, Coach Cal was always the best recruiter in the country, but these fans questioned whether you deserve a pat on the back when the best high school players become the best NBA prospects a year later.
when someone says that cal produced so many nba players we say You mean players that were already going to the NBA that played for Calipari and would end up in the NBA if they played in my grandma’s backyard for a year.
— Kentucky St Louis (@UKSTLOUIS) April 8, 2024
Even worse, when you aren’t consistently winning championships with loaded rosters like the 2015 Kentucky team, what does that say about you as a coach? Wisconsin didn’t have a better team in the Final Four that year, so what was better about the Badgers?
Coach Calipari recruited 35 NBA first round draft picks in his 15 years at Kentucky, went to 4 Final Fours, and won 1 National Championship. A legitimate argument could be made that no one in the history of the game accomplished less with more.
— PC (@IHDreamsAAU) April 8, 2024
Really, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Calipari will have some level of success at Arkansas, but a national championship is unlikely. This fan may have summed it up the best.
Cal might/probably will smack us next year.
— josh (@THEJO5HWIL5ON) April 8, 2024
But we haven’t made a sweet 16 in 4 years y’all, that ain’t good either. Things might be bumpy, we might even hire another Gillespie. But Kentucky is bigger than any one person. Always has been always will be. #BBN
Kentucky will always be Kentucky and that doesn’t change now that Calipari is gone.
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