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The Arkansas basketball program has seen struggles in Year 1 of the John Calipari era. The Razorbacks are still winless in SEC play as they look ahead to a matchup vs. Georgia.
One anonymous league coach recently ripped Calipari for an inability to adapt to college basketball changes. An Arkansas staff member has since responded.
Jeff Goodman reported that one rival called Calipari “archaic” with the Razorbacks riding a five-game losing streak. He refuses to change his mindset as it pertains to his roster and gameplan.
“They all do the same thing. They don’t have anyone innovative; they are outdated in how they do things.”
— Anonymous SEC assistant
The coach agreed that Arkansas had talent. Recruiting has never been the issue with Cal. The problem rests with coaching.
Much of the criticism has revolved around the Razorbacks’ inability to piece together the right lineup. The staff’s been ripped for its mismanagement of star transfer Johnell Davis, as well as its refusal to limit DJ Wagner’s minutes.
I’m still confused why John Calipari doesn’t just give Johnell Davis 30-plus minutes instead of giving them to DJ Wagner.
Calipari just has zero clue how to get Davis going.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 19, 2025
The evisceration of John Calipari didn’t stop there. One anonymous head coach reportedly dismissed the head coach, saying he’s no longer feared by SEC opponents.
“There’s just no fear now when I see him on the other sideline. The game has changed, and he is becoming archaic.”
— Anonymous SEC head coach
An Arkansas basketball assistant has since responded.
Chin Coleman rejected the notion that the game had passed Calipari by. He called him one of the most innovative coaches in college basketball history.
Full response by Arkansas assistant Chin Coleman to an anonymous coach calling John Calipari “archaic” in a recent story from @GoodmanHoops pic.twitter.com/qZi7hlHv91
— Inside Arkansas (@InsideArkansas) January 21, 2025
Calipari is undoubtedly one of the sport’s most accomplished coaches. He’s taken three different programs to the Final Four. He won a national title at Kentucky. He’s sent numerous players to the NBA while landing incredible recruiting classes on a yearly basis.
Unfortunately, his start with Arkansas hasn’t gotten off to the quickest start. Though the Hogs do own notable wins over Michigan and Miami, they’ve failed to secure their first SEC win of this new era.
The Razorbacks will look to pick up that elusive victory on Wednesday against Georgia. Another loss ensures they stay at the bottom of the league standings.