Paul Finebaum makes bold prediction for John Calipari's homecoming for Kentucky-Arkansas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 12:08 AM ET

On Saturday night, John Calipari is set to return to Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, for the first time since he left the Kentucky Wildcats program to become the head coach at Arkansas.

Calipari's decision to leave Kentucky for the Razorbacks was a surprise, as he had a successful tenure with the Wildcats. He went 410-123 at Kentucky, winning a national championship in 2012, and reaching the Final Four four times.

During Friday's broadcast of ESPN's "The Paul Finebaum Show," Finebaum predicted Wildcats fans would show grace to Calipari on Saturday night, giving the 65-year-old a "hero's welcome" when he enters Rupp Arena.

“But knowing the Kentucky fans that I know... I think they'll get up and cheer," Finebaum said. "They know they're going to win the game. That's not it's not like they're playing for a national championship.

"But it's a Saturday night game that's probably being overhyped considering how poor Arkansas has been this year and really how sad Calipari season has gone. So I think they'll give him a hero's welcome, which he deserves.”

Calipari has struggled in his first season with the Razorbacks. Arkansas is 12-8 entering Saturday night's contest. His opponent, No. 12 Kentucky (15-5), is led by first-year head coach Mark Pope.

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

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