Stephen A. & Shannon Sharpe are SHOCKED John Calipari is leaving Kentucky for Arkansas | First Take
Summary
TLDRThe transcript discusses John Calipari's move from the University of Kentucky to coach Arkansas, highlighting his achievements and the challenges he faced at Kentucky. The conversation includes various perspectives on whether this is a step up or down for Calipari, considering the tradition and expectations at both institutions. It also touches on the pressure of coaching at a blue-blood program like Kentucky and the impact of recent performance on his decision.
Takeaways
- ๐ John Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal to coach Arkansas, with the expectation that the deal will be completed within the next 24 hours.
- ๐ Calipari is the second highest-paid coach in the country, only behind Kansas's Bill Self, who earns more than 8.5 million per year.
- ๐ Calipari had significant early success at Kentucky, advancing to the Final Four four times in his first six seasons and winning the title in 2012.
- ๐ However, in recent years, Kentucky's performance under Calipari has declined, with a first-round loss to Oakland in the NCAA tournament this year.
- ๐ค The decision to leave Kentucky for Arkansas is surprising to some, given the tradition and reputation of Kentucky's basketball program.
- ๐ Eric Musselman is credited for doing a great job at USC, despite not making the NCAA tournament this season, with several elite eight and sweet sixteen appearances.
- ๐ There is speculation that Calipari's move to Arkansas might be due to a better environment rather than a better opportunity.
- ๐ Despite criticisms, Calipari remains the second all-time winningest coach in Kentucky basketball history.
- ๐คทโโ๏ธ The discussion includes a debate about the expectations and achievements of coaches at Kentucky, with a focus on the importance of reaching the Final Four and winning national championships.
- ๐ค There is a call for consideration of the challenges in college basketball, including the impact of recruiting and the pressure to win with young players.
Q & A
Who is finalizing a five-year deal to coach Arkansas?
-John Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal to coach Arkansas.
What is expected to be completed in the next 24 hours regarding John Calipari?
-The deal for John Calipari to coach Arkansas is expected to be completed in the next 24 hours.
Where does John Calipari rank in terms of highest paid coaches in the country?
-John Calipari is the second highest paid coach in the country, only behind Kansas's Bill Self.
What was John Calipari's earning at Kentucky?
-John Calipari was earning more than 8 and a half million per year at Kentucky.
How many times did Calipari advance to the Final Four in his first six seasons at Kentucky?
-Calipari advanced to the Final Four four times in his first six seasons at Kentucky.
What significant achievement did Calipari accomplish at Kentucky in 2012?
-Calipari won the national title at Kentucky in 2012.
What has been the performance of Kentucky in the last few years under Calipari?
-The performance of Kentucky has declined in the last few years under Calipari, with a first-round loss to Oakland in the NCAA tournament this year being a notable example.
What is the general sentiment towards Calipari leaving Kentucky for Arkansas?
-The sentiment is one of surprise and shock, as many expected Calipari to stay at the more traditionally successful program of Kentucky.
Who is considered to have done a good job at USC despite not making the NCAA tournament this season?
-Eric Muschamp is considered to have done a good job at USC, with a couple of Elite Eight appearances and three trips to the Sweet 16 during his five years there.
What is the comparison of Calipari's winning percentage in his first six years at Kentucky versus his last nine years?
-In his first six years at Kentucky, Calipari's teams won 83.7% of their games, but in his last nine years, his winning percentage dropped by 11%.
What is the expectation from the new coach at Kentucky after Calipari's departure?
-The expectation is that the new coach will be able to at least reach the Final Four or win a National Championship, given the high level of talent and resources available at Kentucky.
Outlines
๐ Coaching Changes and Kentucky's Struggles
The paragraph discusses John Calipari's move from the University of Kentucky to coach Arkansas, highlighting his achievements and recent struggles at Kentucky. It mentions his high salary, early success with multiple Final Four appearances and a championship win in 2012, but notes a decline in performance in recent years, including first-round exits in the NCAA tournament. The conversation includes reactions from show hosts and guests, emphasizing the surprise of Calipari leaving a storied program like Kentucky for Arkansas and speculating on the reasons behind his decision.
๐ Recruiting and Expectations at Kentucky
This paragraph delves into the discussion of John Calipari's recruiting success at Kentucky, mentioning numerous first-round NBA draft picks that he coached. However, it contrasts this with the expectation of winning championships and the criticism Calipari faces for not meeting those expectations, despite his impressive rosters. The conversation also touches on the pressure of coaching at a high-profile program like Kentucky and the comparison with other successful college coaches.
๐ค Evaluating Coaching Success and the Future of Kentucky Basketball
The paragraph continues the debate about John Calipari's coaching success, considering his win percentage and championship record at Kentucky. It addresses the high standards and expectations at Kentucky, where not winning a championship or making the Final Four is seen as underachievement. The discussion also explores potential replacements for Calipari and the challenges any new coach would face in living up to the legacy and expectations of the Kentucky basketball program.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กJohn Calipari
๐กArkansas
๐กKentucky
๐กCoaching
๐กFinal Four
๐กNCAA Tournament
๐กSalary
๐กTradition
๐กRecruiting
๐กPerformance
๐กSuccess
Highlights
John Calipari finalizing a five-year deal to coach Arkansas.
The deal is expected to be completed in the next 24 hours.
Calipari is the second highest-paid coach in the country at Kentucky.
Calipari earns more than 8 and a half million per year.
Calipari had a lot of success early on at Kentucky, advancing to the final four four times in his first six seasons and winning the title in 2012.
Kentucky faced a loss to Oakland in the first round of this year's NCAA tournament.
USC is lucky to have Eric Mussim, who did a great job despite not making the NCAA tournament this season.
Calipari is friends with an Arkansas alumni member who is a billionaire, which may have influenced his move.
In Calipari's first six seasons at Kentucky, they won 83.7% of their games, three 35-win seasons, four final four appearances, and one national title.
In his last nine years, Calipari's winning percentage dropped by 11% and zero in every category including 35 wins, final fours, and NCAA titles.
Kentucky has had two first-round exits to a number 14 and a number 15 seed in the last four years.
There were rumors and dissatisfaction with Calipari's performance at Kentucky.
Calipari is the second all-time winningest coach in Kentucky basketball history.
Despite having numerous first-round picks and top recruits, Calipari's team couldn't consistently reach the final four or win championships.
The discussion highlights the challenges and expectations of coaching a high-profile college basketball program like Kentucky.
The conversation suggests that even with a roster full of talented players, winning a national championship is not guaranteed and depends on various factors.
The debate includes the impact of the college basketball landscape changes, such as the portal, on coaches' success.
The discussion points out the high standards and pressure associated with coaching at a blue-blood program like Kentucky.
The conversation reflects on the legacy and future prospects of coaches like Calipari and the importance of adapting to the evolving dynamics of college basketball.
Transcripts
to the men's game now ky's John Cal
Perry finalizing a five-year deal to
coach Arkansas according to our Pete
thill and Jeff Bello the deal is
expected to be completed in the next 24
hours Cal Perry is the second highest
paid coach in the country at Kentucky
only behind Kansas's Bill self earning
more than 8 and a half million per year
Cal had a lot of success early on at
Kentucky advancing to the final four
four times in his first six seasons and
winning the title in 2012 but things
have gone South the last few years
culminating with a loss to Oakland in
the first round of this year's NCAA
tournament Jay will joining the show now
live from Arizona Steph are you
surprised that Cal left Kentucky for
Arkansas I'm shocked I was shocked
because Arkansas is not Kentucky um you
know tradition wise and what have you
first of all let me say USC is lucky
Eric musim is a hell of a coach and he
did a hell of a job they didn't make the
NCAA tournament this season but in his
five years there a couple of elite eight
appearances three to the Sweet 16 he did
a damn good job for that program and I
think that uh he's going to do a hell of
a job at USC so congratulations to him
but kapari succeed him I know that
kapari is is is is Friends uh with one
of the alumni members that happens to be
a billionaire uh at from Arkansas I get
that part and maybe that had a lot to do
with this but I think that the reason
I'm shocked is because Kentucky is blueb
is blue blood but in the end I I just
listen I I love kipari I've known him
for close to 30 years um but he's
underachieved over the last decade uh
haven't made it to a final four since
2015 hasn't won a national championship
since 2012 was the only Championship
he's the national championship he's won
despite getting the final fours over six
years and I'm going throw this out at
you Jay and Shannon in calipari's first
six seasons at Kentucky they won 83.7%
of their games they had three 35 win
Seasons they had four final four
appearances and they won a national
title in his last nine years he's
dropped by 11% in winning percentage and
zero in every category the 35 wins the
final fours the NCAA titles and when
you're at Kentucky and you see North
Carolina and Duke keeping themselves
relevant even when they don't win
they're knocking at the door they're in
the mix and over the last four years
you've had two first round exits to a
number 14 and a number 15 seed you
didn't make the tournament once and then
you got to the second round and that's
all you have to show for it at Kentucky
they were saying it's unacceptable and
there was Rumblings about kipari so it
does give you the impression that he's
running away from something rather than
be pushed out even though they weren't
going to push him out because they would
have owed him a $33 million buyout but
in the end it still found I found myself
shot Jay Shannon because to go from
Kentucky to Arkansas that's not about a
better opportunity as much as it is a
better environment for you because the
environment where you were evidently
soured on you and that's why you left
that's the impression that I've gotten I
don't know anything I haven't reported
on it I haven't talked to anybody about
it but that's the impression that I
walked away with when I heard this news
last
night Stephen A and ank I I just want to
say it out loud and very slowly so we
can let it all just marinate you know I
know you like to cook we going let that
meat marinate in these good uses for a
second okay go ahead okay yeah all right
John calip Perry the second all-time
winningest coach in Kentucky basketball
history Stephen A you can tell me about
the lack of success over the last couple
years in the tournament my man has won a
championship he's gotten to four final
fours now Bill self has won two
championships Dan Hurley is about to win
two if he's able to get it tonight ain't
too many two championship dudes out
there a a lot of one championship guys
out there okay with the success he's
okay has left Kentucky for Arkansas yeah
has left Kentucky
basketball for Arkansas no disrespect to
Arkansas I love Nolan Richardson I love
40 minutes of hell I was a Scotty
Thurman fan but left
Kentucky Arkansas yeah
yeah that's all I'm saying here like so
I I everybody's going to say well you
know this is a great move who y'all
going to replace him with yeah who who
who they going to replace him with
everybody keeps telling me Oh
underachieved give me a name is Jay
Wright gonna come out of his cush job
for CBS because every time I hear Jay
Wright talk about coaching he's like man
that's stressful is Billy Donovan gonna
leave Chicago even if the situation
isn't great to come down to Kentucky
like that's the job you GNA I would if I
was Billy
Donovan Stephen A Jay can I ask you
this yes hell I can I can I can come out
of my job and get down in the first
round lose to Oklahom Oakland I can lose
hold on you talk about who you going to
replace hold on out out you said there's
not a whole lot of guys to win national
champions how about this for a roster 35
first round picks since he's been to
Oklahoma Anthony Davis dein Booker Shay
gilis Maxi Randall John Wall bam Murray
blo DeMarcus Cousins Carl Anthony Town
Derek Rose number one overall draft
picking Dereck Rose number one overall
draft picking car towns Anthony Davis
John Wall and you give me one title if
Nick Sabin if Kirby Smart if dbos s with
all the guys they put in the first round
game different game different game
different game Shannon different game
when you go to college football playoffs
you go to win two games you win two
games you got win six games here and by
the way the co towns team they were
undefeated they lost in the chip they
lost in the final for to Wisconsin
random I hear what all y'all saying
about the tal
okay go ahead go ahead J I can get I can
get any coach to go to the SEC and make
the NCA tournament and get kicked out
just like Cal did now you so when he
went to when he went to Kentucky did he
say we gonna get all these guys all
these guys are gonna be number one picks
or did he say he gonna hang banners like
Mr rup did or is he gonna do what JB
Hall did continue was he gonna do with
uh what's it tubby Smith they got tubby
up out of there
why didn't I get him up out of there
tubby Smith won a title why didn't tubby
get the state they ran JB Hall up out of
there why didn't he get the state why do
Cal get the state because he gets five
first rounde five star five star five
star why did he get the state Jay just
ask me why did he get to State all all
I'm saying is sometimes you don't know
how good you got it until it's gone all
right well and I think there are certain
level of people that cuz ky's been so
relevant I caught a lot of flack this
year when I was like oh they're like the
Dallas Cowboys of college basketball not
saying that the lack of success in the
tournament I'm talking about the fact
the relevancy of how we talk about them
every single day because of the brand
names brand names can always translate
the championship now every single year
you got to win a championship or if you
Ain winning championships you're
considered a bum I'm just saying it
don't don't diminish how great it C's is
second alltime winning his coach in
Kentucky basketball history Shannon next
to Adolf Ru I got off R of water at my
house that says something though that's
all I'm saying J Jay Jay let me let me
say this
bro I respectfully disagree with you I'm
not saying and no one should say kipy is
a bum kipy has been a great coach kire
has been a great coach we understand
what his resume entails the respect is
given and the g the college basketball
landscape has changed particularly
because of the portal and I think that
you know what he might be in a better
situation than Arkansas for all we know
but here's the point
he wouldn't think about leaving
Kentucky had he been more successful the
Rumblings down in Lexington existed
because it's been since
2015 so there is Credence to Shannon's
point that if you're at a program like
Kentucky and you're getting all of these
festar
recruits one should be able to expect
that in a 9-year span
you'd at least visit the final four
again you're talking about the last four
years they didn't even make it to the
Sweet 16 now you got you you got to take
you got to take that into consideration
there's no way to get around that Jay
four years at the University of Kentucky
and you can't get to the Sweet 16 nine
years and you can't get to the final
four let alone win a National
Championship that does matter and all of
a sudden it can get to a point point
where those festar recruits that you got
will suddenly be held against you
because when do we stop looking at
youngsters looking at their youth as an
excuse at some point in time isn't it
you it's got to be you especially when
we're talking about great coaches a
shashy a Roy Williams a self and others
I'm talking now J I'm not talking about
a national championship I'm not talking
about that I'm talking about not not
even the sweet 16 that's what I'm saying
that's a problem man I I I I all those
are factual essay I I'm not disagreeing
with you on the facts brother all I'm
trying to say though in comparison we
had two coaches in the final four I know
Nate oats is hot right now with the way
he's won I just saw them two months ago
man like they they were nowhere close to
that team we had Kevin Keats in the
final four that dude was about to be
fired so like sometimes lightning in
bottles occur and I hear that but I'm
looking at the totality of the work and
by the way everybody's like well you
just can't win with young players y they
had an old team two and a half years ago
stacked with transfers so like he's done
it different ways It's just sometimes
it's hard to win the tournament it
doesn't always translate Coach K only
have five of them man I mean he had five
we're not talking always Bill self has
two we're not talking just got his
second two years ago we're not talking
his second two years ago yeah yeah but
we're not talking national titles and
we're not talking always we're saying
that over the last nine years you
haven't even been to a final four and
over for the last four years you haven't
even gotten to a sweet 16 I'm saying
when that comes about we talk about Kip
per like those things are impossible to
occur but they have occurred and we
can't ignore that that's all I'm saying
okay who you replacing him with well
here's and you know what my response is
what Shannon said in this regard if
you're not even getting to a sweet 16 at
the University of Kentucky there's a lot
of coaches I can replace you with
there's a lot yeah guess what guess what
he's the second winning this coach all
time and he has the same number of
national championships as tubby Smith at
Kentucky he's the second win in this
coach all time he has the same number
Championship as JB Hall so tell me what
am I getting for eight and a half
million what am I getting or I get a B I
get a bunch of five stars and do what
get bounced in the first round get
bounced in the second round is that what
I'm getting so guess what if I can get
bounced in the first or second round I
can get me a coaching paying $4 million
and do that I hear you Shan all I'm
saying I remember a day in time when
people were about to go hard on Jay
Wright people were saying oh Jay Wright
can never win it and then he lightning a
bottle Chris Jenkins boom boom boom he
makes two now he's on the all time
winning his coaches I'm just saying
there there's luck that goes into he
wasn't at Kentucky with the top two
recruiting class in the nation we got
leave J one more jay jay jay jay he's
winning National Championship with
Jaylen Bronson Josh Hart Dante Jinzo you
get you got Anthony Carl Anthony towns
you got Anthony Davis you got John Wall
Boogie cous muray Shay Gil come on he
won it with ad he won it with ad with C
that got all to the final four they were
undefeated they were undefeated and lost
in the four point point made first
class that's why left St a he didn't
want that pressure well that's that's
different Shannon that's different now
he want that pressure combo that's a
different combo Kentucky had 35 first
round draft picks during his how many 35
Jay du was second with 27 Jay before we
let you roll uh who do you have tonight
you're going Purdue or Yukon and you two
answer later in the show so your spad
molly I'm going your spad molly I'm
going your gonna be Clos they get it
done Dan Hurley's the face of college
basketball next year that's what he is
we know it better happen because if it
doesn't Molly is just going to be
miserable to America I bet you won't
come to work
Shannon Shannon you you Conor the field
don't forget about that bet I have that
tap to we the yuk here today how come to
we the Yukon I wanted to C South
Carolina today I wanted South Carolina
to have their moment you know I showed a
lot of shoulder it was you know yeah
yeah
[Music]
yeah
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