Better than anyone, Rick Pitino knows what it feels like to return to Rupp Arena as the opposing coach.

One of his fiercest coaching rivals will be doing the same thing this Saturday, John Calipari. Despite not being “best friends”, he respects Calipari and has posted a message for Big Blue Nation asking them to show “great class” in his return.

“The toughest day of my coaching career at Lousiville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena,” Pitino said. “I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception tore me up apart because I love that place so much.”

Pitino talked about a similar situation with fellow Big East coach Ed Cooley, who left Providence for Georgetown. Cooley opened up to him about nearly being brought to tears and the “bad feelings” he received upon his return to play at Providence.

Citing his experience and Cooley’s experience, he wants Big Blue Nation to greet John Calipari positively.

“I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him certainly,” Pitino said. “It was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves, he needed a change. But what did he do for you?”

“He brought the best talent in the history of the game, of any university in America to Lexington. He also won a national championship. His style of play was extremely entertaining.”

Pitino suggests that the packed arena give Calipari a much warmer reception than he received, with a standing ovation.

“He’s coming back on Saturday and I want all of you to show the great class that you have,” Pitino said. “23,000-plus people giving him a huge ovation. Show him what respect and admiration is all about.”

“I know you have the class and I have always believed in you. Do it once again.”

The full message is below.

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.