Rick Pitino urges Kentucky fans to give John Calipari standing ovation at Arkansas game
The last time Rick Pitino took to Twitter to address Kentucky fans was after Mark Pope was hired when John Calipari left for Arkansas. Ahead of Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena Saturday night, Pitino filmed another message for BBN, encouraging them to treat Calipari with respect. In fact, he wants fans to give Calipari, his former rival, a standing ovation.
In the minute-and-a-half-long video, Pitino reflected on his own return to Rupp Arena as Louisville’s head coach in 2001. The circumstances were slightly different, with Pitino leaving Kentucky for the NBA in 1997 and returning to college basketball to coach the Cats’ biggest rivals. Pitino was soundly booed when he stepped onto the Rupp Arena floor (entering from the home tunnel, not the visitor’s). He laughed it off at the time, but 24 years later, admitted that it stung. Even though he admits that he and John Calipari are not close friends, he doesn’t want Cal to have to experience that on Saturday.
“Hello, Big Blue Nation I didn’t steer you wrong with Mark Pope when I sent out that last video, and I certainly won’t steer you wrong with this video. The toughest day of my coaching career at Louisville was when I had to walk into Rupp Arena. I tried not to show it, but when I went home, the reception, it tore me up in part because I love that place so much. And it’s interesting, because I was speaking to Ed Cooley just recently about Providence, and he said he almost was brought to tears because of the bad feelings he got going back there. But this is different.
“And as you all know, I’m not best friends with John Calipari. I respect him, certainly, but it was a mutual thing. The fans wanted a change. John read the tea leaves. He needed a change, and he really didn’t want to leave. 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.
“So he’s coming back on Saturday, and I want all of you to show the great class that you have. 23,000-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. Do it once again.”
This post will be updated.
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