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.

Arkansas basketball's next opponent is Kentucky and a reunion for John Calipari. The Hogs' head coach anticipates an emotional return to Rupp Arena.

FAYETTEVILLE — John Calipari was apologetic following his first SEC win as Arkansas’ basketball coach Wednesday. The Razorbacks’ 68-65 victory over Georgia at Bud Walton Arena snapped a five-game losing streak that began Jan. 4 at Tennessee. The 0-5 start to conference play was Arkansas’ worst since joining the SEC in 1991-92.

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.

John Calipari and the Arkansas basketball team have a big one this weekend as they be hitting the road to take on #12 Kentucky. Calipari was obviously the head coach of the Wildcats last year and had been the head coach since 2009.