Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

John Calipari Update Posted After First Season at Arkansas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated May 13, 2025 7:25 PM ET

The first season under John Calipari at Arkansas was anything but uneventful. The Razorbacks were among the last teams selected for the NCAA Tournament, yet they managed to make a surprising run by winning two games.

Arkansas upset Kansas, then knocked off St. John's to reach the Sweet 16. In a tightly contested game against Texas Tech, the Razorbacks came up just short, falling 85-83 in overtime. They finished the season with a 22-14 record.

Now, expectations are higher in Fayetteville, and fans are already buzzing about Razorbacks basketball this fall.

Before the new season tips off, fans will have a chance to meet the legendary head coach in person. The official Arkansas basketball social media account recently shared details about a pair of appearances Calipari is making — first in Memphis, then in Little Rock.

The ONE Razorback Road Show was created to give fans the opportunity to connect with members of Arkansas’ athletic department. Calipari’s appearances are part of the four-day, eight-city tour, now in its seventh year.

Calipari, along with Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek, will stop by Ghost River Brewers & Taproom in Memphis on Tuesday, followed by Fassler Hall in Little Rock on Wednesday.

Reminder! @CoachCalArk kicks off his two stops on the ONE Razorback Roadshow tonight in Memphis.

Get your tix: https://t.co/1VgPY9xHe0 pic.twitter.com/lKmDXWdt9F
— Arkansas Razorbacks Men’s Basketball (@RazorbackMBB) May 13, 2025

The 66-year-old coach led Kentucky to an NCAA title in 2012 and has reached the Final Four six times, most recently in 2015.

Calipari also spent time in the NBA as head coach of the New Jersey Nets after a successful stint at UMass. Following a short tenure as an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers, he returned to the college ranks in 2000, where he's remained ever since.

Despite losing Karter Knox to the NBA draft, the Razorbacks bring back plenty of talent. Trevon Brazile, Billy Richmond and DJ Wagner have all confirmed their returns. Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle joined the team via the transfer portal, and Calipari has secured a strong 2025 recruiting class. Knox, meanwhile, is maintaining his college eligibility while exploring the draft process.

Darius Acuff, Meleek Thomas, Isaiah Sealy and Karim Rtail are also set to arrive in Fayetteville this fall, adding even more depth to a promising roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: