John Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena is arguably the biggest story in college basketball this weekend, but he’s not looking forward to it.

At a place where he hoisted a national championship trophy, delivered annual addresses to the Big Blue Nation, and won dozens of big-time games, the former Hall of Fame coach might be booed, something he assumes is going to happen.

“We’re going to have three players that played there. My guess is they’re going to get booed. My guess is I’m gonna get booed. But that’s all part of it. You get booed,” he said during his weekly coaches show.

Being around Big Blue Nation for the past 15 seasons, he understands the fanbase he is walking into, and if he is booed, it doesn’t seem like something he is going to take personally.

“I’ve done this so long, I tell you, I got bazooka-holes in my body, so when you shoot arrows, it doesn’t even hit skin,” he said. “It just goes through one of those bazooka holes.”

While this isn’t the first time Calipari has left for another school, this is the first time he is returning to their home court and he isn’t sure how he is going to react.

“I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to coaching, but to walk in and the vibe — I don’t know how I’m going to take it, to be honest with you. That was a special time in my life and Ellen’s life. Fifteen years we gave, 15.”

As the elation of beating Tennessee fades and Kentucky begins to prepare for Arkansas on Saturday, a debate has emerged.

Boo or cheer John Calipari in his return to Rupp Arena? Kentucky fans are split.

On one hand, Calipari brought Kentucky a lot of success: Four Final Four appearances, six SEC Tournament Championships, six SEC regular season titles, and one National Title. On the other; he won just one NCAA Tournament game over his last five seasons and left for an in-conference rival. Most importantly, he is coaching to beat Kentucky on Saturday.

Former Kentucky All-American and current radio analyst Jack “Goose” Givens gave his opinion and answered what he is going to do when the Hall of Fame coach walks back onto the court; giving Calipari his respect, while keeping the competitive nature.

“Coach Cal did some really good things for MY team and MY University,” Givens said after the Tennessee game. “I just hope we make him feel appreciated when he comes back to the game, and his name is called. I’m gonna give him a standing ovation… Listen, once the game begins I hope we kick his rear end.”

Goose has weighed in, but 20,500 fans will get to weigh in on Saturday as well.

As Kentucky prepares to play yet another conference opponent on the road, their uphill battle has steepened with yet another addition to the injury report.

While Andrew Carr has been upgraded to questionable, Lamont Butler is officially classified as out ahead of tomorrow’s road matchup against Tennessee.

Butler, who averages 13 points, five assists and three rebounds, has been battling a shoulder injury for weeks now. While he’s managed to stay on the floor, his production has unfortunately declined.

It seems now that Coach Pope and his staff have deemed it better in the long run for Butler to sit out and heal, sacrificing his crucial presence now in hopes that he’ll return to full strength down the road.

Unfortunately for Kentucky, their two game skid is at risk of worsening in what will likely prove to be one of the toughest games remaining on the schedule. Eighth-ranked Tennessee hasn’t lost at home and, on an equal losing streak of their own, will be looking to regain momentum in front of a ravenous home crowd.

With both Butler and Kriisa out, Travis Perry will surely see extensive minutes at the one. Jaxson Robinson may also play the position, which he did successfully in the comeback win against Gonzaga earlier this season.

No matter who plays and for how long, Kentucky will have to find an answer somewhere. Short-staffed and against all odds, the Wildcats are set to face their toughest test of the season tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. on the national stage.