The Arkansas Razorbacks entered the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a> season with high hopes and aspirations. They were projected to be a lock to make the tournament, but that might not be the case.



John Calipari’s team has been up and down this season. They play in one of the toughest conferences in the game, and there’s not much margin of error in the SEC.



That’s why Neil Paine of ESPN doesn’t seem to love their chances right now. If they want to partake in The Dance and star in March Madness, they need to take care of business now. 



<h2>Arkansas needs to beat Vanderbilt to get to the tournament, says analyst </h2>



“Coming off a pair of wins over Mizzou and Texas that revitalized its tourney chances, Arkansas came out as flat as it gets in Saturday’s loss at South Carolina, scoring just 14 points in the first half before eventually getting crushed in a landslide loss. It dropped the Razorbacks’ odds in the ESPN Analytics forecast from around 50-50 to below 40%, and knocked their SEC record to 6-10,” wrote Paine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250304_BUS_348505_John-Calipari-1024x576_e7bf3184.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Their setback on Saturday has now put them against the wall. With just a 34% chance of being invited to the tournament, they will desperately have to beat Vanderbilt:



“The conference is slated to send 13 teams to the Dance in the latest version of Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology, and the Hogs went into the day ranked 12th in the SEC in NET, though they also trailed bubble rivals including UGA and Texas. Arkansas remains a borderline top-50 team by SOR or WAB with some signature wins to its name, but Saturday’s loss is one coach John Calipari probably wants back. Tuesday’s matchup with fellow bubble team Vanderbilt has big tourney implications now,” he added.


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Of course, they have more than enough talent and a good coaching staff to pull this off. Then again, given their inconsistency, you never know what version of them you’ll get.

ESPN shares worrisome prediction about Arkansas and March Madness

ESPN shares worrisome prediction about Arkansas and March Madness - Bolavip US

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The Arkansas Razorbacks hung on to beat the Texas Longhorns in a very exciting rivalry game. John Calipari’s team needed overtime to get the job done, but they still took care of business.



The Razorbacks were up by 12 at halftime, but <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> prospect Tre Johnson proved to be one of the best scorers in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>by single-handedly leading a comeback. Johnson scored 39 points to go along with seven three-pointers.



Even so, with the win, the Razorbacks now look like a lock to get the nod to enter the NCAA Tourney. That’s why Bob Stephens of Sports Illustrated likes their chances to beat anybody. 



<h2>Arkansas can beat anybody in the tournament, says analyst </h2>



“The other bad news might be for the team that has to face Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, even if that team is a six seed facing an 11th-seeded Arkansas,” wrote Stephens. Despite the near second-half collapse, make no mistake: Calipari’s team is surging. They dominated Texas in the first half, survived a great and gallant effort by Johnson, a future NBA star, while exhibiting a collective heart and will to win that could lead to multiple post-season games.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250227_BUS_345330_John-Calipari-1024x576_eeda37be.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315499" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks</figcaption></figure>



Calipari’s team has won five of their last eight games. It’s also worth noting that those losses came against three ranked teams: No. 1 Auburn, No. 6 Alabama, and No. 12 Texas A&amp;M.


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Of course, losing to top-tier teams isn’t a good sign ahead of March Madness. Then again, anything can happen in a win-or-go-home situation, and they’re well-coached and very talented.

NCAAB News: John Calipari’s Arkansas deemed March Madness’ dark horse

NCAAB News: John Calipari's Arkansas deemed March Madness' dark horse - Bolavip US

The Arkansas Razorbacks have had to endure some tough losses this season. Resiliency is a must in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, especially with the end of the line getting closer and closer.



That’s why John Calipari wanted to inspire his young players. He wants them to realize the importance of what they’re doing right now and how it can affect the rest of their lives.



That’s why, following their win over Missouri, the legendary coach urged the team to learn from the 1990 Arkansas team that went to the Final Four, and things got emotional.



<h2>John Calipari wants his players to look at past glories</h2>



“Well, I went to the dinner last night and if you were there, I mean, they shed some tears now,” Calipari said, in reference to the 1990 Arkansas team. “They shed tears and they hugged each other. You know, I love you. I mean, I told the team, you understand that’s how you’re going to be 35 years from now with this team. The same way, there’s only one group going through what we’re going through and it’s that team. And the adversity we faced, the ups and downs of this, they all got through it, and by getting through it, they’re going to be better for it later, 35 years later, that team was there.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250225_BUS_343316_John-Calipari-1024x576_f27027eb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, the Arkansas have an uphill battle if they want to emulate their success. They haven’t necessarily lived up to the sky-high expectations they had this season.


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Then again, anything can change in a win-or-go-home scenario, and we’ve seen teams get on unlikely and deep runs in the tournament in the past. They just have to play as hard as their predecessors.

NCAAB News: John Calipari gives his players a big-time lesson

NCAAB News: John Calipari gives his players a big-time lesson - Bolavip US

The Arkansas Razorbacks have been up and down this season. That wasn’t what they signed up for when they brought John Calipari and several Kentucky players in the offseason.



They just suffered another setback. This time, they lost to No. 1 Auburn in a hard-fought game. The pressure is mounting as the clock is ticking, and the NCAA Tournament is just around the corner.



Nevertheless, Coach Calipari isn’t ready to call it quits. If anything, he knows his team still has an opportunity to shock the world and sneak into the tournament with a strong end to the season. 



<h2>John Calipari says fate is in Arkansas’ hands right now</h2>



“I want to write our own story. I want us to write it,” Calipari said. “We have a chance. It is all in our hands. It’s not going to be in a committee’s hands. It’s in our hands. You either do it or you don’t.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250221_BUS_341005_John-Calipari-1-1024x576_ebe35fb1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena." class="wp-image-290604" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this will be way easier said than done. The SEC is an absolute bloodbath, and the Razorbacks will square off vs. high-end competition until the end of the season.


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They certainly have the talent and the resources, and some of their losses have been quite close. But from this point on, this team will have no more margin for error.

NCAAB News: Arkansas’ John Calipari puts basketball world on notice with major statement

NCAAB News: Arkansas' John Calipari puts basketball world on notice with major statement - Bolavip US

To say that this has been a roller coaster of a season for the Arkansas Razorbacks might be a huge understatement. That’s not what they envisioned when they hired John Calipari.



The team showed a lot of fight in consecutive wins before struggling again. They know they don’t have that much margin for error, and it’s time to make some big adjustments now.



That’s why, after his team dropped another game, this time to No. 8 Texas A&amp;M Aggies, the Hall of Fame coach got a little emotional and sat down with his team for a heart-to-heart talk.



<h2>John Calipari has ‘heart to heart’ talk with his players</h2>



“For us to bust through, we’re going to have to beat somebody,” he said. “We can say what we want, [but] I wanted to make sure they weren’t happy [thinking] we’re going to be OK. No, if we won that game … we’re in the tournament. So, it’s not OK to say we’ll be all right. Now you’re going to have to go get somebody else.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250218_BUS_339161_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_c16facaa.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



The renowned coach knows his team needs to make a statement if they want to make the NCAA Tournament. They’re 15-10 for the season and just 4-8 in conference play. 


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Of course, there’s still plenty of basketball to be played this year, but with how hard the SEC is right now, it’s hard to envision this team having much wiggle room from now on.

NCAAB News: John Calipari takes desperate ‘heart-to-heart’ measure after another loss

NCAAB News: John Calipari takes desperate 'heart-to-heart' measure after another loss - Bolavip US

For most of its history, the SEC has been known as the ultimate football conference. With powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama, they have the most talent and toughest schedules.



Now, that might also be the case in<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> college basketball</a>. The SEC has been an absolute bloodbath lately, and it looks like anybody can beat anybody on any given night.



That was evident when John Calipari’s Razorbacks almost came back to take down Alabama. That’s why renowned NCAA analyst Jeff Goodman believes the SEC became ‘stupid’ good.



<h2>Jeff Goodman raves about the SEC</h2>



“It’s even stupider (how good the SEC is) because Arkansas has now become, you know, dangerous over the last, like, week and a half, you know, where before it was almost, like, honestly, you were kind of circling Arkansas and being like ‘All right, they’re kind of a dead team,’ but, I’m telling you, it’s crazy to say since Boogie Fland went out, and Nelly Davis became Nelly Davis again, and it’s funny, Mike had a great point,” he said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250214_BUS_333765_John-Calipari-1-1024x576_37c8ec22.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena." class="wp-image-290604" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Of course, this is also because Calipari’s team has looked much more competitive lately after struggling in conference play earlier in the season. Now, they might even sneak into the NCAA tournament.


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The Razorbacks took down the then-No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats and Texas Longhorns. Even if they failed to keep the ball rolling vs. Alabama, they’re a very dangerous team right now.

NCAAB News: Analyst makes bold take about ‘stupid’ SEC and Arkansas

NCAAB News: Analyst makes bold take about 'stupid' SEC and Arkansas - Bolavip US

John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks were in a tough spot a couple of weeks ago. Then, they bounced back to prove that they could compete at the highest level.



Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep that strong momentum in their latest outing. No. 3 Alabama got the best of them with a narrow 85-81 win to take their SEC record to 9-1.



The Razorbacks, on the other hand, are now 3-7 in conference play. When asked his thoughts after the loss, coach Calipari claimed that his players went away from that ‘fearless’ mentality that had helped them lately.



<h2>John Calipari says his players changed their mindset</h2>



“I think they wanted to win so bad. You can’t play that way. Just play. Have fun, be fearless, make the plays you have to. Make easy plays,” Calipari said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250212_BUS_333924_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_eb5a3adb.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



At the end of the day, it’s not easy knowing that you have your back against the wall. As good as the Razorbacks had been lately, their slow start left them no margin for error.


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You’re never as good as you were in your biggest win or as bad as you looked in your toughest loss. Now, Calipari’s boys will have to regroup and get back to what worked for them.

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes sad admission after loss to Alabama

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes sad admission after loss to Alabama - Bolavip US

To say that this had been a disappointing start to the season for the Arkansas Razorbacks would’ve been a massive understatement. They desperately needed some momentum.



Fortunately, it seems like they’ve found it. They beat No. 14 Kentucky, John Calipari’s former team, and they took care of business against another tough opponent in the Texas Longhorns.



People quickly forgot all the talk about Calipari potentially being on the hot seat. In fact, NCAA analyst Jeff Goodman believes that Nelly Davis’ new aggressive approach could take them back to tournament contention.



<h2>Jeff Goodman praises John Calipari’s aggressiveness</h2>



“He is back confidence-wise, you’re giving him the ball,” Goodman said. “He’s the guy right now that’s gonna lead this team back to the bubble.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250206_BUS_329701_John-Calipari-1024x576_555c0b1a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



Davis is averaging roughly over 10 points per game for the Razorbacks. The senior guard is one of the most talented and experienced players on the team, and he’s rising up to the talent.



The Razorbacks are 14-8, so there’s still a chance that they will make their way to the NCAA Tournament, especially with a savvy and veteran coach like John Calipari.


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Of course, you’re only a good as you were in your last game, so the Razorbacks are in no position to rest on their laurels just yet. If anything, they desperately need to keep the momentum going.

NCAAB News: Analyst makes strong prediction about John Calipari’s Arkansas after win vs. Texas

NCAAB News: Analyst makes strong prediction about John Calipari's Arkansas after win vs. Texas - Bolavip US

Saturday marked John Calipari’s long-awaited return to Rupp Arena. For the first time in his tenure with the Arkansas Razorback, he was going to face his former team.



Needless to say, expectations were at an all-time high for him in his return to Kentucky. Also, he brought several former Wildcats with him to try and pull off an upset.



DJ Wagner, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Adou Thiero would also return, helping the Razorbacks win 89-79. Following the game, coach Calipari admitted that his players were worried about him.



<h2>Arkansas players were worried about Coach Calipari</h2>



“I called them in together,” Calipari said. “And I said, ‘Are you guys okay going back here? Are you going to be OK?’ And they all said, ‘We’re fine, coach. We’re worried about you.’ That’s the kind of team I have. That’s the kind of players they are. They were worried about me. I said, ‘I’m fine.’ No, they were good.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250203_BUS_327376_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_11fda1c5.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



This was a huge win for the Razorbacks. Not only was it an emotional matchup, but it was also a much-needed triumph for an Arkansas team that had struggled in SEC play.


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Thiero gave his former fans a glimpse of what they’re missing with 21 points and eight boards, while Wagner and Ivisic added 17 and 14, respectively. Now, Coach Cal and company will look to keep the ball rolling against the Texas Longhorns.

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes emotional admission over his players after win vs. Kentucky

NCAAB News: John Calipari makes emotional admission over his players after win vs. Kentucky - Bolavip US

Some Kentucky fans might not be so high on John Calipari anymore. Even so, while he’s now an SEC rival, he’s still one of the most important figures in program history.



He led the Wildcats to four Final Four appearances and won a national championship there. That’s why he’ll be emotional in his return to Rupp Arena on Saturday.



Even so, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> analyst Gary Parrish believes that most fans will still be thankful to Calipari and give him some love when he returns home with the Arkansas Razorbacks.



<h2>Gary Parrish says Kentucky Fans will welcome John Calipari</h2>



“I think it’s going to be more positive than negative, and I believe that it should be,” Parrish said. “I’m not a big believer in booing people who used to do great things for you or them, unless of course the circumstances dictate it.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250131_BUS_324937_John-Calipari-1024x576_81acc7c7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-315499" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/17103742/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head Coach John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks</figcaption></figure>



He added that Calipari wasn’t the one who thought of leaving the program. Even if he chose another SEC school, Parrish believes he wanted to stay there for the remainder of his career.



“John Calipari did not want to leave Kentucky,” Parrish said. “I know he voluntarily left, but he got nudged out the door. This was not his plan for the way this career would end.”


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Maybe Coach Calipari will get to tell his side of the story one day. For now, all he can focus on is taking down the program he led for more than one decade in front of the fans who used to cheer for him.

NCAAB News: Analyst shares bold prediction about John Calipari’s return to Kentucky

NCAAB News: Analyst shares bold prediction about John Calipari's return to Kentucky - Bolavip US

When the Arkansas Razorbacks brought John Calipari to be their next head coach, they hoped it wouldn’t be long before he took them to the top. And with a star-studded roster, it surely seemed that way.



However, that hasn’t been the case so far, and his team may have reached a new low. They dropped to 0-5 in conference play after a 83-65 setback against Missouri on Saturday.



With that in mind, former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> player Theo Pinson claimed that even though it’s his first year and he’s John Calipari, he should still be at risk of losing his job after this season. 



<h2>Theo Pinson says John Calipari should be on the hot seat </h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“That’s a game that puts Cal (John Calipari) on the hot seat,” Pinson said on ‘To The Baha.&apos;”I don’t care that it’s his first year, I don’t care what his record has been, or his resume has been. That’s a bad loss. To get whooped like that?”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250122_BUS_319486_John-Calipari-1024x576_0e488fad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-287684" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/06154902/John-Calipari.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari</figcaption></figure>



The Razorbacks’ offense needs a lot of sharpening, and time is running out of them. They’re currently rank 91st in offensive efficiency, and it seems like the players are being asked to play out of the strengths.


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To add insult to injury, their schedule won’t getmuch easier. They have to meet the Georgia Bulldogs on Wednesday night, and another loss could all but end their campaign.

NCAAB News: Former NBA player says John Calipari is on the hot seat

NCAAB News: Former NBA player says John Calipari is on the hot seat - Bolavip US

When it rains, it pours for the Arkansas Razorbacks. The team couldn’t get past Missouri in their latest outing, and that 83-65 setback dropped them to 0-5 in SEC play this season.



If that wasn’t bad enough, they will now have to get by without one of their best players for the remainder of the season. Boogie Fland has been struggling with a hand injury, and he will have to miss a long time.



Fland sustained the hand injury against Florida on January 11. And while he was still able to play against LSU and Missouri, John Calipari just confirmed that he’ll miss the remainder of the year. 



<h2>Arkansas’ Boogie Fland to miss the remainder of the season</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Boogie’s hand, he fell in the game at our place against Florida,” Calipari said. “(Billy Richmond) jumped on him, so his hand is pretty bad. Don’t know what we’ll do going forward. But, we got to make sure we get that thing right.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250122_BUS_319483_Boogie-Fland-1024x576_652cc386.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-319415" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/01/22153609/Boogie-Fland.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Boogie Fland #2 of the Arkansas Razorbacks in action against the Michigan Wolverines</figcaption></figure>



Fland had been a bright spot for the slumping Raxorbacks, averaging 15.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. Some even considered him a potential <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> draft pick.


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Now, with the 6-foot-2 guard out for the long run, the Razorbacks will need a team effort to recover from their worst start to conference play in the past four decades.

NCAAB News: John Calipari's Razorbacks get brutal injury blow

NCAAB News: John Calipari's Razorbacks get brutal injury blow - Bolavip US

When the Arkansas Razorbacks lured John Calipari away from Kentucky, most experts and fans agreed that the best was yet to come for them. It was the dawn of a promising era.



So far, that hasn’t been the case at all. The Razorbacks are 0-4 in conference play, and they’ve been one of the most disappointing teams in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> this season.



With that in mind, college hoops Jeff Eisenberg made a rather bold prediction about this team, stating that they’re not going to make the NCAA tournament this season. 



<h2>Arkansas won’t make the NCAA tourney, says expert</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Give John Calipari credit for stumbling upon a foolproof way to avoid extending his streak of early-round NCAA tournament flameouts,” Eisenberg said. “You can’t get Gohlke’d again if you’re watching from the couch. Arkansas is in major jeopardy of missing the NCAA tournament in Calipari’s highly anticipated debut season after an unremarkable non-league showing and a nightmare start in SEC play.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250117_BUS_315577_John-Calipari-1-1024x576_55e08a52.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena." class="wp-image-290604" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/11080114/John-Calipari-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Arkansas Razorbacks head coach JOHN CALIPARI gives instructions during Arkansas s win over MD Eastern Shore at Bud Walton Arena. </figcaption></figure>



He then doubled down on his criticism of Coach Cal by pointing out how Mark Pope was able to build a competitive squad at Kentucky despite not having any returning starters:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Kentucky coach Mark Pope didn’t inherit a single returning player from Calipari, yet the roster he rebuilt on the fly via transfer portal is 14-3 overall and 3-1 in the SEC. There’s still time for Arkansas to dig its way out of this midseason hole, but the Razorbacks’ road to the NCAA tournament is uphill and obstacle-laden,” he added.</blockquote>


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Of course, there’s still plenty of basketball to be played this season. Then again, starting off 0-4 gives them no margin for error, and the SEC is one of the most competitive conferences out there.

NCAAB News: Expert predicts terrible outcome for John Calipari's Arkansas

NCAAB News: Expert predicts terrible outcome for John Calipari's Arkansas - Bolavip US

When the Arkansas Razorbacks hired John Calipari to take their program to the next level, it didn’t take long before fans and analysts alike gave them the nod as a legitimate dark horse.



This season, however, they have struggled to live up to those expectations. That was the case again in the loss against LSU, as they blew a 12-point lead late in the game for another loss.



The Razorbacks were up by seven in the second half, but LSU took over with 11 minutes and never lost control of the game. After the 78-74 setback, coach Calipari admitted that the loss was on him.



<h2>John Calipari vows to do better after loss to LSU</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Scrapped us, beat us to some balls, made some big-time plays, I got to do a better job with my team,” Calipari said. “We get up 12 again, this is the third or fourth game we get up 12 and all of a sudden – you turn around. I thought we were prepared for that moment but we just, couple turnovers, missed shots and I watched the tape but they outscrapped us. We did some half-decent stuff but not enough.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="631" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250115_BUS_314312_johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631_cd65a084.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=631" alt="" class="wp-image-216672" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-1024x631.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155-768x474.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/08/johncaliparijpg_242310155.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>John Calipari </figcaption></figure>



Coach Cal and the Razorbacks have now dropped four games in a row in conference play. Needless to say, it sounds like it’s finally time to start sounding off the alarms.


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They sit at the bottom of the SEC standings, and they will desperately need to beat Missouri (14-3, 3-1 in SEC) on Saturday to straighten the ship and have a shot at making the tournament.

NCAAB News: John Calipari takes the blame for Arkansas' latest setback

NCAAB News: John Calipari takes the blame for Arkansas' latest setback - Bolavip US

Some may like him; some may hate him. What no one can deny is that, while controversial, John Calipari has become one of the most prominent figures in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>history.



Calipari has taken his fair share of future NBA stars under his wing. His days with the Kentucky Wildcats saw him become one of the ‘one-and-done’s gurus, and several of his pupils are currently shining in the league.



With that in mind, NBA star Tyler Herro talked about his experience playing for him. In a recent interview with Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem for ‘The OGs,’ he praised his former coach for pushing him:



<h2>Tyler Herro tips his hat to John Calipari</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He’s gonna push you, he’s gonna make you put the work in, too,” Herro said. “The work is not gonna be easy, and the things you have to go through to get to be able to be a one-and-done … really working hard, putting the time in, watching film. No shortcuts on going to class and things like that.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250110_BUS_308858_tyler-herro-1-1024x576_9d34362a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="tyler herro dribbles the ball" class="wp-image-304343" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/31182710/tyler-herro-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat drives against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center.</figcaption></figure>



Herro wasn’t the most sought-after prospect in the nation by any means. Even so, coach Calipari saw something special in him and helped mold the work ethic that made him a star in the NBA.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“He took a chance on me. I was a four-star recruit, and at the time at Kentucky he’s taking all five-stars who are one-and-done. He took a chance on me, he believed in me, so it’s hard not to follow his steps and be supporting him at Arkansas,” he added.</blockquote>


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Fast forward to today, and everything he learned in his days in college clearly paid off. Now, he’s leading the Miami Heat in points per game, and with Jimmy Butler gone, he might be called to be their franchise player going forward.

NCAAB News: Tyler Herro reveals how John Calipari prepared him for the NBA

NCAAB News: Tyler Herro reveals how John Calipari prepared him for the NBA - Bolavip US

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