National Media Have Misconception Of Arkansas' Status in College Basketball
Razorbacks take slap to the face with Calipari hire
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The landscape of college basketball experienced a jolt to its foundation when Arkansas hired John Calipari away from Kentucky for its vacant head coach position. Not only was it a shock to Razorback fans, it revealed how little fans around the country, coaches and media members still fail to understand the allure of the Hogs' program.
For the first time in decades, Arkansas was not in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Calipari news struck a nerve into national media. How a lowly school like the University of Arkansas dare take a sitting head coach from a blue blood was likely asked millions of times in producer meetings prior to live shows like Sportscenter, First Take, Pardon the Interruption and more.
At the very beginning of the video reel highlighting takes from around the country, one media member couldn't recall if Monday was April Fool's Day or total eclipse day. Most knew Arkansas was going to generate this kind of response due to its status in the sport over the past 20+ seasons. Eric Musselman re-established the Razorbacks as a winning program once again with a pair of Elite Eight appearances and one Sweet Sixteen.
No, the move for Calipari is definitely not a joke, but is a fresh start for Calipari after a successful 16-year tenure at Arkansas. A new job, top coach money and deep pockets for NIL that ought to bring in players nationally as true freshman while also attacking the transfer portal. Folks can mock now, but don't come back crying when the Razorbacks make deeper runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Shannon Sharpe was joined on his popular podcast with Chad Ochocinco and was flabergasted by Arkansas stealing Calipari away.
"Why would I leave Kentucky at $8.5 million to go to Arkansas," Sharpe asked.
Anchorwoman Hannah Storm made comments on Sportscenter while interviewing ESPN insider Pete Thamel that might rub Razorback fans the wrong way after just one bad season under former coach Eric Musselman.
"[Calipari] takes over a program which finished third-to-last in the SEC." Storm said. "So, the bar is low there for Coach Cal to make a difference."
Expectations for Arkansas are low? Obviously, Storm failed to pay much attention to anything college basketball this season. The Razorbacks brought in a good freshmen class along with additions to the transfer portal which ranked No. 7 in last year's class. The Razorbacks were expected to compete for the national championship by a member of the national media. One season falling short of expectations is certainly of no worry moving forward as the Hogs' finished 16-17 last season.
Undisputed went on a short monologue referencing Arkansas as a team that's ok with only being mediocre. That's certainly not the case as fans are driven crazy if the Razorbacks aren't given respect it deserves for previous success under Mussleman. Greater heights are the expectation for Calipari. Don't be confused, the Hogs' are a basketball school now.
Fellow Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd isn't impressed by Arkansas' attempt to hire away a Hall of Fame coach from a blue blood program. According to Cowherd, Arkansas is a 'second to third tier program'. While its not an ideal statement made on national television, it should give Calipari a larger chip on his shoulder.
Pardon the Interruption's Tony Kornheiser referenced Arkansas as a 'step down' job compared to the status of Kentucky basketball.
"I don't even think [Calipari's] going to like it down there," Kornheiser said. "Bret Bielema left Wisconsin for the football job [at Arkansas] and was only there an hour-and-a-half it felt like."
Kornheiser indeed stretched the truth a bit considering Bielema spent five seasons in Fayetteville before being fired after a 4-8 season in a completely different sport. Bielema moved to Arkansas following a successful stint at Wisconsin which saw him record a 64-28 record overall in Madison. The biggest issue was his lack of adaptability going from Big Ten bully ball to a more finese but physical SEC.
Calipari comes to Arkansas with plenty of SEC experience coaching the Wildcats since 2009. Plus, he does hold regional connections with his time at Memphis. The Razorbacks haven't experienced the high level success Kentucky has over the years but they sit in an incredible spot with a hall of famer leading the way.
HOG FEED:
• Calipari lawyer debunks rumor of Kentucky counter-offer
• In midst of decades of coaching turnover in other programs, leadership, Dave Van Horn has been Razorbacks athletics' one constant
• Calipari had reasons other than frustration with Kentucky athletics, fans to come to Arkansas
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