Calipari, Pope Keep It Cordial At SEC Media Day

Recent circumstances have quickly morphed Arkansas-Kentucky into one of college basketball’s most heated rivalries, but in comes as no surprise head coaches John Calipari and Mark Pope kept it cordial at SEC Media Day in Birmingham.

A 15-year run in Lexington that was highlighted by the 2012 National Championship, four Final Fours, seven Elite Eights, eight Sweet Sixteens, 32 NCAA Tournament wins, six SEC regular season and tournament titles lost its luster following a few early exits in March in recent seasons.

Big Blue Nation needed a new voice. Calipari needed a new audience. So, he packed up shop and moved the headquarters to Fayetteville, paving the way for Pope to return and lead his alma mater.

The mutual respect shown between the two coaches, and friends, was a breath of fresh air and a welcome escape from the never ending social media warfare between two of the most passionate fanbases in college athletics.

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“You’ll never hear me say a negative word about Coach Cal,” Pope said. “He’s a Hall of Fame coach. As a die-hard Kentucky fan and alumnus and former player, I am grateful for everything, all the incredible things that Cal accomplished at the University of Kentucky.

“He’s also been a good friend. He’s been a terrific mentor, and he’s always been generous to Lee Anne and I as we’ve gone through our coaching journey.

“So we wish him the best in everything that he does, and I will forever be grateful for everything that he did at Kentucky. And we’ll be cheering for him every day like crazy except for February 1st.”

Ah, yes, February 1st, the date the entire country has circled on the calendar as the day Calipari returns to Rupp Arena with the Razorbacks — including DJ Wagner, Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivisic — to face Kentucky.

Both programs are projected NCAA Tournament teams and ranked inside the preseason AP Poll — Arkansas 16th and Kentucky 23rd.

Two good teams, tons of tradition and college basketball’s top storyline. It is shaping up to be cinema.

“What’s February 1st? That’s my dad’s birthday,” Calipari quipped when informed of the one day Pope will not be a fan before offering a warm endorsement of his successor.

“They hired a perfect guy for that job, and part of it is he played there, graduated there, has a heart for the place and has an idea what that is. When I walked in, I had Coach Hall. I had Coach Smith, too, but Coach Hall. It’s a different place if you’re just walking in. He’s been there and understands it.

“I’ll be rooting for him. I want Kentucky — come on, man, 15 years. I gave my heart and soul. I want them to do well, except — what date? Okay, that date. But no, he’s a good man, terrific basketball coach. They hired the right guy. They really did.”