Rick Pitino knows better than anyone what it’s like to walk into Rupp Arena as a villain. After leading Kentucky to a national title in 1996, and a runner up in 1997, Pitino left for the NBA's Boston Celtics. After that did not work out, he returned to college basketball as the head coach of Louisville of all places. His first game back in Lexington as the Cardinals’ coach was met with deafening boos from Big Blue Nation. He also famously told UK fans they were number 1 after the game and he was heading down the tunnel.
Now, decades later, Pitino is asking for a different response when John Calipari makes his first trip back to Rupp as the head coach of Arkansas. After a 15-year tenure at Kentucky, which included a national championship in 2012 and multiple Final Four appearances, Calipari's sudden departure left the fanbase divided. Some were ready to move on, while others still respect his contributions to the program.
Return to Camelot from Arkansas
Pitino, who has gone through his own redemption arc with Kentucky fans, believes Calipari deserves appreciation. Since Mark Pope’s hiring, Pitino has been warmly welcomed back into the Kentucky fold, receiving a roaring ovation at the Blue-White Game. Now, he hopes that goodwill will extend to his coaching successor.
He wants fans to stand on their feet when the Arkansas Razorback head coach's name is called in Rupp Arena as a visitor, the first time in 15 years.
But will BBN listen? Kentucky fans are known for their passion, and emotions will be high when Calipari steps onto the Rupp Arena floor wearing Razorback red. Some will want to boo, some will want to cheer, and others may take a different approach—silent indifference.
Regardless, Calipari’s return will be one of the most anticipated and dramatic moments in recent Kentucky basketball history, maybe even college basketball history.