Famed head coach John Calipari returns to Kentucky for the first time since leaving to take the Arkansas job

The GIST: Hall of Fame head coach John Calipari will return to Kentucky’s Rupp Arena for the first time since he left the Wildcats to take the head coaching job at Arkansas last April. Will Big Blue Nation give him a warm reception, or is the 2012 National Championship–winning former coach destined for boos?

Coach Cal’s history with Kentucky: Calipari took over at Kentucky in 2009 and led the program for 15 years, popularizing building rosters with one-and-done players (aka hoopers that spend one season in college then leave for the NBA draft) and winning a natty in 2012.

• Calipari led the Wildcats to 12 March Madness bids and four Final Four appearances. He was even granted a “lifetime contract” in 2019, which is why his departure came as such a shock.

Calipari’s return set for tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN: Tomorrow's matchup could be aca-awkward with coach Cal’s Razorbacks in desperate need of a win after going just 1-6 in conference play so far.

• On the flip side, No. 12 Kentucky’s decision to hire former Wildcat Mark Pope as Calipari’s replacement seems to be working out. The Wildcats are 15-5 overall with six wins over ranked teams.

• Aside from the coaches, Kentucky will be led by junior guard Otega Oweh, who averages 15.8 points per game, while Arkansas will lean on freshman Boogie Fland, who drops 15.1 points per game. Can’t wait to see how it all shakes out.