Stepping into Rupp Arena for the first time since leaving Kentucky last April, John Calipari sat down with ESPN color announcer Jimmy Dykes on Friday night. The two looked back at Calipari’s time at Kentucky, something he says will never be erased.

“Nothing is erased here for me,” he said. “What we did in that span of time, you can’t erase. It’s history, it’s written, it’s done.”

Calipari is correct in that. He helped raise four banners into the rafters of Rupp Arena, including the 2012 National Championship banner. Those will never be forgotten and one day his name will be raised into rafters.

Until then, he is an opposing coach. While there is debate on whether to boo or cheer him, he isn’t expecting a warm welcome, but he is expecting a lot of emotion.

“As we get closer to game time, I know the emotions will build. The fans should be able to do what they want,” Calipari said. “If they want to boo, they can boo. If they want to cheer, they can cheer. I’m not expecting an overwhelming reaction. At the end of the day, I’m an opposing coach. I’m not coming in here to lose this game. I get it. It’s a big game for the fans — ‘We’ve got to crush Cal and Arkansas,’ all of that. I’ve done this long enough. I always say, if I go to an opponent’s court, I almost expect it. I’m not looking up and seeing [the crowd], you just coach the game.”

While his time at Kentucky is over, he complimented Mark Pope on the job he has done in his first season and wishes him success.

“It’s someone else’s turn,” Calipari said with a smile.

Thank you for the memories Cal, until your name is in the rafters.

Nate Ament, a five-star prospect ranked fourth (ESPN 100) in the 2025 class, made an official visit to potential suitor Tennessee last Tuesday, Jan. 27. Unfortunately for them, Mark Pope and his Kentucky Wildcats were in town.

The ‘Cats put on a show in front of the highly-touted recruit, spoiling the Volunteer’s homecoming and making a statement to a player who has yet to make an official commitment.

Not only that, but Kentucky is still in the mix. Ament recently cut down his list of schools to a final bunch: BYU, Duke, Louisville, Tennessee, Alabama, and the Big Blue, among others.

While Duke currently holds the next visit and opportunity to sway Ament in their direction, Coach Pope made sure he got a word in after the win against Tennessee.

“Let’s go Nate”

According to KSR’s Jacob Polacheck, Pope reportedly passed Ament as he left the handshake line, saying “Let’s go Nate,” and C’mon, Nate.” There are few ways more effective to prove yourself and your system to a player than to win in convincing fashion right in front of them.

Without a doubt, Pope earned himself and the program a few brownie points with that one.

If Kentucky were to land Ament, he’d fit right into the ranks of recruits that Pope has landed so far. Then again, a 6’9 forward averaging nearly 20 points per game in high school could likely find a spot just about anywhere.

According to Ament, two of the most important aspects of his decision are “player development” and “the family aspect of the team.”

“Wherever I go I want to make sure I’m taken care of and have the best relationships. I also want to be challenged to get better and play for a coach that lets me play through my mistakes,” he said.

If Mark Pope is known for anything, it’s his personable approach to coaching and his constant insistence on study and improvement. For Ament, it seems like Kentucky is the perfect fit, and as long as the Wildcats are in the mix, Pope can’t be counted out.

Set to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks just four days after their crucial road win over the Tennessee Volunteers, Kentucky can finally look to the injury report for a little good news ahead of the matchup.

While Lamont Butler, who still hasn’t been cleared to practice according to Coach Pope, remains out, Andrew Carr is listed as “probable” to play in the home game against the Hogs.

Carr subbed in early in Kentucky’s win over the Volunteers this past Tuesday, but after a few obviously hampered possessions, he was pulled, and would sit the rest of the game.

Afterwards, Pope admitted that the move was his own precautionary decision, calling Carr a “warrior” in the process.

Carr, who’s averaging 10 points, five rebounds and two assists on the season, has seen scattered minutes throughout the last several weeks as he’s battled a persistent back injury. Whether or not he’s restored to full health is yet to be seen, but his positive designation on the injury report is as good a sign as any.

Next Man Up

Ansley Almonor has done exceptionally well filling in for Carr at the starting four spot, shooting 60% from long range (15-25) over the last three games and more than proving his ability to show up big when the team needs him.

However, as long as Butler is out, lineups and substitutions will have to remain fluid. Pope tried a little bit of everything against Tennessee to adjust, starting Jaxson Robinson at the point guard position and sliding Koby Brea into the starting five. Amari Williams, the team’s only seven-footer, ran the floor at times, too.

In addition to the starters being shaken up, freshmen Travis Perry, Collin Chandler and Trent Noah all saw extended minutes as well, each making a noticeable impact in their respective roles.

Even with Carr’s potential return to the lineup, Kentucky will have to rely on reserves to keep things fresh against the visiting Razorbacks. With the stakes higher than ever and Lamont Butler looking on, it’ll be a test of the Wildcats’ depth and resolve in John Calipari’s first game back at Rupp Arena since his scorned departure last Spring.

Tune in for the 9:00 p.m. tipoff tonight on ESPN.