Arkansas’ Calipari says Kentucky made the right choice with Pope

Birmingham, Ala. — As he prepares for his first season as Kentucky men’s basketball coach, Mark Pope will have one admirer from afar: John Calipari.

Calipari, who left Kentucky in March to open for Arkansas, said his former school made the “perfect” choice when it hired Pope, captain of the Wildcats’ 1995-96 squad that won a national title under Rick Pitino, as its new head coach. Coach Calipari and Pope have a relationship that has continued through their recent transition.

Except for the lone meeting between Arkansas and Kentucky on Feb. 1 in Lexington, Calipari said he would support his replacement.

“I think they hired a perfect guy for that job,” Calipari said Tuesday at SEC Media Day. “And part of that is because he played there, graduated from there. He has a heart for the place and an understanding of what it is. … If you just walk in, it’s a different place. Being there and understanding it.”

Asked about his decision to leave Kentucky amid a tumultuous finish that included two first-round exits in the past three NCAA Tournaments, Calipari said those interested can read his past comments.

“I talked about why I did what I did,” he said. “I’ve talked, so what I want to do today is talk about the SEC. This league has become ridiculously difficult. I want to talk about my team, my roster. But I’ve talked about all those things. I mean, you see it. Can and I’m going to repeat what I said.”

Calipari praised Pope, a sentiment the former BYU coach echoed earlier in the day about Calipari.

“He’s a Hall of Fame coach, a die-hard Kentucky fan and as a player,” Pope said. “I’m grateful for what he’s done for our university. He’s also been a good friend. He’s been a great mentor. We’ve been through our coaching journey, and so we wish him the best in what he does and we will. What he does at Kentucky.” We would appreciate it if you did (except February 1st).

At Arkansas, Calipari said he will need time to build his culture. And while players like former Florida Atlantic star Jonelle Davis and former five-star recruit DJ Wagner have eased the transition overall, Calipari said he’s focused on where he’s at, not what he’s left behind.

“I’m totally immersed in what I’m doing,” Calipari said. “You’re not going to believe it. I’m doing a lot, and I don’t have time for anything else, anything out there, but I’ll be rooting for (the pope). Fifteen years, I’ve given my heart and soul. I want them to be good. Let it be.”