The Arkansas basketball program is under the exciting new leadership of former Kentucky head coach John Calipari. Calipari departed the Wildcats for the Razorbacks in April after 15 stellar years. Arkansas noted Calipari's impressive history with NBA Draft prospects as the 2024 first round got underway, and fans were not having it.

Arkansas posted a graphic mentioning that a player John Calipari has coached has been selected in 17 straight NBA Drafts. Fans immediately ripped the post, primarily claiming that Arkansas was trying to capitalize off feats Calipari performed during his time with Kentucky:

“Love how ya'll trying to claim Kentucky's glory. Nice try… sit down” one user responded.

“Celebrating 16 years of Kentucky greatness on the main page is crazy is crazy,” another user commented.

Many fans took issue with the fact that Arkansas posted a fact that was not a product of their own doing, but rather Kentucky's, as captured by this fan:

“Weird flex. None of [the players listed] were yours,” the fan claimed.

However, one user sees no harm in the Razorbacks' post.

“Kentucky fan here. I don’t take issue with @RazorbackMBB posting this list nor will I make fun of it. Just stating a fact, like Cal or not (I do), it’s impressive. Why not be excited about what your new coach has done, I’m good w/ this,” the fan explained.

As mentioned, Calipari had an incredible tenure with Kentucky. But now, he is tasked with bringing more greatness to the respected Arkansas basketball program. The Razorbacks played in three straight NCAA Sweet 16's from 2021-2023 under the leadership of former head coach Eric Musselman. They had a down year in 2023-24, but Calipari looks to restore their competitiveness.

John Calapari's Kentucky legacy transitions to Arkansas basketball 

Calipari has enjoyed tremendous success with Kentucky, but he had a lot of admiration for the Arkansas basketball program. Namely, he reportedly has always held the Arkansas head coaching job with high regard, according to USA Today's Dan Wolken.

Calipari's admiration was strong, and now, he looks to help take Arkansas to the next level after a stellar 15-season stint at Kentucky.

The Wildcats were a force during Calipari's tenure. He joined the program in 2009, and since then, has helped Kentucky remain a national contender. Calipari has led the team to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances including a title in 2011-12.

Nevertheless, Kentucky's 2023-24 season did not go as planned. The team earned another March Madness trip as the third seed in the South region but shockingly lost 80-76 to Oakland in the first round. The loss extended Kentucky's several-year Final Four cold streak, as the last time they advanced was in 2014-15.

The disappointing end to the season further fueled Calipari's exit rumors. Yet, that did not stop him from making plans for the future. In late March, Calipari discussed Kentucky's plans to improve the team and noted that he embraces the challenge that comes with coaching a program with high expectations.

Calipari will now take the challenge of trying to get the Razorbacks back to the NCAA Tournament. It will be interesting to see how the 2024-25 season plays amid exciting changes.