What’s next for Kentucky after John Calipari leaves for Arkansas?
Krysten Peek analyzes John Calipari's departure from Kentucky to Arkansas, discussing the implications for both programs and recruits going forward.
Video Transcript
KRYSTEN PEEK: John Calipari is the new head coach of Arkansas and is leaving Kentucky after 15 seasons as head coach. The news came after a tumultuous season and another early exit from the NCAA tournament when 14 seed Oakland upset three seed Kentucky in the first round.
Calipari was 1 in 4 in his last tournament appearances, and big Blue Nation was growing impatient after not reaching the Final Four since 2015 and not winning a national championship since 2012. Calipari's bread and butter has always been landing five star one and done talent. And prior to taking the job at Arkansas, Kentucky had the number two recruiting class coming in next season led by five stars Boogie Fland, Carter Knox, and Jaden Quaintance.
All three prospects played at the McDonald's All-American game last week. And we're looking forward to changing the narrative around Kentucky and bringing a winning culture back to the program. Many assume all five star recruits will follow Calipari with a reported $5 million budget promised in NIL money.
No word yet on who will replace Calipari. But the rumored hot name to take over at Kentucky is Alabama Head Coach Nate Oats, who just led his team to the Final Four and has had a lot of recruiting success in the past, competing for top high school talent and players in the portal and a competitive SEC conference. Baylor's Scott Drew and Auburn's Bruce Pearl are also early potential candidates for the new hottest job in college hoops.
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