John Calipari spent nine seasons turning Memphis into one of college basketball’s most recognizable programs, and Wednesday brings another opportunity to face the school where he established an important part of his coaching legacy. The former Tigers coach will lead Arkansas against Memphis in an exhibition at Bud Walton Arena, creating an intriguing connection between two programs preparing for demanding regular-season schedules.
The reunion is interesting on its own, but Memphis has another reason to attract attention entering the game. The Tigers defeated Mississippi State 75-58 last Friday, and senior guard Jayden Reid delivered an outstanding performance in his first exhibition with the program. His 26-point effort provided an encouraging glimpse of what Memphis might have in its new-look backcourt.
A familiar coach awaits the Tigers in Fayetteville
Calipari coached Memphis from 2000 through 2009, leading the Tigers through one of the most successful stretches in program history. His tenure included the memorable 2008 national championship game appearance, although the NCAA later vacated that season’s victories. The program’s transformation under Calipari helped establish Memphis as a destination for elite recruits and a regular presence in the national conversation.
Penny Hardaway now leads the Tigers, bringing his own extensive connection to Memphis basketball. Both coaches rank among the winningest in school history, and Wednesday provides another opportunity for their programs to compete against each other. Arkansas defeated Memphis 99-75 in an exhibition at FedExForum last year, meaning the Tigers have a recent result they would undoubtedly prefer to reverse…