John Calipari’s move from Kentucky to Arkansas was the biggest story of the college basketball offseason. Many saw it as a fresh start for the Hall of Fame coach, but early results have been disappointing. As Calipari prepares to return to Rupp Arena, his Razorbacks sit at 1-6 in SEC play and are on track to miss the NCAA Tournament.
Jeff Goodman, a respected college basketball analyst, believes the game has passed Calipari by. Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show, Goodman criticized both Calipari and his coaching staff, arguing that they have failed to adapt to the modern game.
“I think time has passed him by a little bit,” Goodman said. “He and his staff haven’t adapted like other coaches in the league and around the country. Everybody else is evolving, and Calipari, surrounded by a staff of ‘yes men,’ hasn’t made the necessary adjustments.”
Kentucky has struggled in the NCAA Tournament in recent years, failing to make it past the second weekend since 2019. After missing the tournament entirely in 2021, the Wildcats have suffered multiple early exits. Calipari’s move to Arkansas was seen as an opportunity to revamp his approach, particularly with the school’s strong commitment to NIL recruiting. However, despite assembling one of the most expensive rosters in college basketball—estimated at $7-8 million—the Razorbacks have yet to find their rhythm.
“The pieces don’t fit,” Goodman said. “They’ve got a collection of talented players, but they don’t complement each other. He’s always been able to win by having more talent, but now the SEC has caught up. Coaching and team chemistry matter more, and that’s where Arkansas is struggling.”
Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena was expected to be one of the season’s marquee matchups. While the game still carries significance, Arkansas’ poor performance has dampened some of the anticipation. For Calipari, Saturday’s showdown will be more than just a homecoming—it’s a test of whether he can still adapt and succeed in today’s college basketball landscape.
