Contrast that success with Calipari’s first Arkansas team, which needed six tries to notch its first SEC win of the year, and Kentucky fans figure to have plenty of ammunition Saturday. The Razorbacks are just 12-8 overall, and their 1-6 start to SEC play has them looking like a long shot for an NCAA Tournament berth.

Where does Mark Pope stand on the boo vs. cheer debate currently tearing Big Blue Nation apart as Kentucky prepares for John Calipari‘s return to Rupp Arena? He understands both sides and the wide range of emotions that come with a homecoming of this magnitude.

The coaching contract details for Mark Pope at Kentucky and John Calipari at Arkansas ahead of Saturday’s SEC basketball showdown in Rupp Arena.

Good morning, folks! We’re in for a busy day in the world of Kentucky basketball. First, we’ll hear from men’s head coach Mark Pope this afternoon as he prepares for Saturday’s highly-anticipated showdown against John Calipari‘s Arkansas Razorbacks.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It must be confusing to be an Arkansas fan during Kentucky week this year.

Ignore the hype. Ignore the noise. Ignore the circus that is sure to surround the return of John Vincent Calipari, who in a 15-year run as the UK coach took the Wildcats to four Final Fours and a national championship before his Big Blue express ran out of steam.

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope has made a strong first impression in his first year at the helm in Lexington. His efforts (along with Arkansas' struggles) have helped Big Blue Nation ...

Tennessee fought back within 74-73 with 28.6 seconds left on a Chaz Lanier 3-pointer but Otega Oweh, who had 14 points, buried four free throws to seal the deal. The win moved Kentucky to 15-5, 4-3 in the SEC and dropped Tennessee to 17-4, 4-4. The Hogs are a stunning 12-8, 1-6.

How should ex-Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari be honored Saturday in his return to Rupp Arena? Vote before our poll closes Friday at noon.

Arkansas vs. Kentucky is one of the hottest tickets in America. Here's how much it will cost to watch John Calipari's return to Rupp Arena.

What will the fan reaction be when former Kentucky coach John Calipari returns Saturday night to Rupp Arena as Arkansas head man?

See the best ticket prices for Kentucky basketball game vs Arkansas and former coach John Calipari on StubHub, VividSeats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster.