With an unthinkable 0-5 SEC start, John Calipari’s Razorbacks looked lost. However, critical wins over Kentucky and Texas have put them right back in contention for an NCAA Tournament berth, reigniting hopes of a March Madness run. This was not just a roster revival but a movement fueled by serious big money and strategic moves. Let’s look at what caused this shift and where they stand now.
When John Calipari left Kentucky for Arkansas, there were plenty of raised eyebrows. But behind the scenes, Arkansas was making some serious moves. The Razorbacks’ big-name boosters include the Tyson family (Tyson Foods), the Walton family (Walmart), and even Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. They ensured Calipari had a hefty $6 million in annual NIL funds to work with. With that kind of financial backing, Calipari was able to draw in incredible transfers and recruits, building a roster capable of competing with the best in the SEC.
But things weren’t going to plan at the beginning of the 2024-25 season. Despite having a newly stacked roster, Arkansas floundered to a 0-5 start in SEC play. Fans were restless, and many began calling for Calipari’s head. In fact, some went as far as to calling him “the Doc Rivers of college basketball”. But, as is often the case in college basketball, things changed quickly.
‘The Field of 68: After Dark’s Rob Dauster offered his thoughts on Arkansas’s chances: “There’s a real chance to be able to, like, you’re sitting here, you won four of your last six. Then you’re at Texas A&M and Auburn. If you win one of those two, all of a sudden, we’re having a very real conversation about where this Arkansas team should be.”
Dauster’s words were a reflection of the Razorbacks’ growing momentum. But it’s not just Dauster who sees the potential. Jeff Goodman in Field of 68: After Dark also predicted, “If you finish four games under 500 in the SEC, I think Arkansas gets in. I really believe that.” That vote of confidence speaks volumes for how important Arkansas’ next few games are in regards to their postseason fate.
Despite the positive momentum, John Calipari’s tournament hopes are not guaranteed. The Razorbacks currently hold a 14-8 overall record and a 3-6 mark in the SEC. 5 or 6 more wins, and they may reach the 19 or 20 win mark, and that will probably lock up a NCAA bid.
But their 2-7 record in Quad 1 games presents a big hurdle. More often than not, teams that find themselves on the wrong side of high-level matchups are left on the outside looking in when the NCAA Tournament selection committee begins its work. However, the Razorbacks still have hope with their strong finish to the season.
Can John Calipari turn this around for Razorbacks?
As you step back, you will see Arkansas is a part of a larger SEC resurgence. This year, the Athletic predicts that 14 teams from the conference will be headed to the NCAA Tournament. And they still have 9 crucial games to play – Alabama, Auburn and Texas A&M among them – that could further improve their resume and leap them into tournament contention.
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Moreover, John Calipari’s success is largely attributed to its hefty $6 million NIL war chest. Key acquisitions have also helped stabilize the back court. Most notably the Adou Thiero (16.2 points per game) and Boogie Fland ( 36.5 three-point shooting percentage). Another key player who has also emerged is Johnell Davis, a transfer from FAU who has been contributing with clutch performances in both marquee wins.
As John Calipari continues to rack up impressive wins, it’s clear that Arkansas is capable of competing with the nation’s elite. Prime examples of what the Razorbacks can do when firing on all cylinders are their victories over Kentucky and Texas. Their 2-6 SEC start is a hurdle to clear, but history has shown that the selection committee often gives teams who peak late in the season a bump, especially when they secure big wins in one of the toughest conferences in the country.
Whether they can earn that NCAA bid remains to be seen, but Arkansas has certainly reminded the college basketball world that things can change in an instant—especially with a $6 million war chest at your disposal.
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