Rick Pitino has asked a favor of Big Blue Nation with John Calipari – the former Kentucky coach now at Arkansas – returning to Rupp Arena this weekend. His request: don’t boo the coach who once led the Wildcats to glory.

‘I want you all to show the great class that you have,’ Pitino said in a video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account. ‘Twenty-three thousand-plus people giving him a huge standing ovation. Show him what respect and admiration is all about. I know you have the class, I’ve always believed in you.’
“I want you all to show the great class that you have…”

Pitino’s plea came with an admission that his return to Rupp Arena in 2001 after leaving Kentucky for Louisville “tore me apart.”

‘Toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville 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 apart because I love that place so much.’
“I tried not to show it…”

Whether UK fans will heed Pitino’s words is another story. Pitino returned to Rupp last year and received a warm welcome, but that was two decades removed from his stint with the Wildcats.

Calipari’s return marks a new chapter as he hasn’t coached at Rupp since his departure.

‘My guess is I’m gonna get booed,’ Calipari commented this week.
“My guess is I’m gonna get booed…”

Despite his history with fans, Calipari recognizes the situation and remains optimistic about the outcome.