Vote: How should UK fans react when Arkansas’ John Calipari is introduced in Rupp Arena?

Right before 9 p.m. Saturday, University of Kentucky basketball fans in Rupp Arena will have a decision to make.

As 21,000 strong tingle with anticipation for the Wildcats’ Southeastern Conference game against Arkansas, every one of them will be battling the emotions of how to greet a former UK champion turned rival.

That rival, of course, is John Calipari, who piloted Kentucky to four NCAA Final Fours, one national championship and countless thrilling memories before his reinvigoration of the Wildcats program soured late in his 15-year tenure.

On Saturday night, he’ll be introduced as head coach of the visiting team, the Arkansas Razorbacks. UK fans have not had to cope with anything similar since Rick Pitino — himself a UK national champion — brought archrival Louisville into Rupp in 2001.

UK fans greeted “Traitor Rick” with hostility, but the circumstances were markedly different — or so you’d think — than what Calipari is walking into Saturday.

How do you think things will play out Saturday night? Vote in our poll below.

This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 12:29 PM.