After 15 seasons as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, John Calipari announced in April 2024 that he would be leaving the program, leaving a school where he led the SEC powerhouse to one championship in 2012 and four Final Fours.

The day after announcing he would leave Kentucky, Calipari was named the head coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

In speaking about his first game back at Kentucky's Rupp Arena since his departure, Calipari downplayed his return and the expected boos from Wildcats' fans.

“We’re gonna have three players that played there,” Calipari said, via On3's HogsPlus. “My guess is they’re gonna get booed. My guess is I’m gonna get booed … But that’s all part of it. I mean, shoot, you get booed. I’ve done this so long. I got bazooka holes in my body. So when you shoot arrows, it doesn’t even hit skin, it just goes through one of those bazooka holes.

“But it’ll be interesting. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to coaching, but to walk in and you know, the vibe I don’t know how I’m gonna take it to be honest with you. That was a special time in my life.”

In speaking about his decision to leave Kentucky, per The Athletic, Calipari said, “The last few weeks, we’ve come to realize that this program probably needs to hear another voice.”

Arkansas men's basketball is 12-8 to start the season. The Razorbacks have lost six of their last seven games, all against SEC opponents. Their 1-6 in-conference record places them 15th in the SEC.

Kentucky hosts Arkansas on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET.