John Calipari reflects on the best memories of Rupp Arena

Miami (OH) Guard Kenny Hayes spiked a 25-FOD 3-POINTER OVER EMIC BLEDSOE to tie Kentucky At 70 inside Rupp Arena with 5.3 seconds left in the second half. John Wall, in his debut like Wildcat, went down the field for the purpose. He took a step-back jump shot and buried it with 0.2 seconds left in the game to finish the 18-point comeback.

This is how the John Calipari era began and would be the first of 54 matches that the former Kentucky head coach would win the Rupp Arena consecutive to begin his career in Lexington. It was one of a handful of Calipari’s favorite moments coaching inside the historic building.

“I can remember that,” Calipari told Espns Jimmy Dykes In front of Matchup. “To have Louisville In here and have some great games – to win these games. There were so many games here that meant something. “

In total, he continued to win 410 gathered matches with 123 losses over his 15 seasons, many of which came ahead of Big Blue Nation inside the Rupp Arena. He boasted of a 13-3 record vs. Louisville during this time.

Other matchups like the 73-72 victory over North Carolina It saw Anthony Davis blocks John Hendon’s game -winning shooting attempts on the buzzing to think about. Blows out Florida In the normal season finale to go 31-0. How about Calipari when Calipari surpassed Joe B. Hall for anything else all the time in program Wins vs. Auburn In 2019?

In total, Calipari Kentucky went to seven elite eight appearances, four Final Fours, two national title performance and a NCAA championship. However, the UK would not get past the round 32 in any of the last five seasons in the Calipari era. It includes a first round exit to St. Peters in 2022, considered one of the most shocking disturbances in the NCAA tournament history.

“We took some spell in the NCAA tournament. Throughout my career – they literally didn’t happen. But it did, ”Calipari said of the last three troops. “But we were the top 10 two of the three years. And I’m proud of these kids. “

Now Calipari returns to Rupp Arena on Saturday, but this time on the opposite side of the bench as the main coach of Arkansas Razorbacks. February 1 is a date that has been circled for both sides since Calipari took the job last April.

Tip-off is set to 21:00 one and broadcast live at ESPN. Calipari’s pig is a 10.5-point lower dog on the way into Matchup.