Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari critiques current state of college hoops on ESPN
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Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record
Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari critiques current state of college hoops on ESPN
Jackson Fuller, Fort Smith Southwest Times Record·Ft. Smith Southwest Times Record
·
3 min read
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FAYETTEVILLE — Stephen A. Smith lobbed up a softball. There was only one answer coming out ofJohn Calipari'smouth.
TheArkansas basketballcoach made two stops on ESPN television shows on Friday, April. 3. He joined 'Get Up' with Mike Greenberg before hopping on 'First Take' with Smith and Shae Peppler Cornette. Calipari discussed the Final Four, the most recentRazorbacks'season and a slew of issues throughout college hoops.
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Smith, already knowing Calipari's opinion on transfers and the expanding average age of college athletes, gave Calipari freedom to rant by asking the Hogs' coach how he feels about "25, 26-year olds playing college ball".
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) and Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) get tangled up after a foul in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) fouls Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots over Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots past Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) fouls Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) dunks against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots past Arizona Wildcats guard Dwayne Aristode (2) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) dunks against Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) reacts after losing to the Arizona Wildcats in a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) is seen during a timeout against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) shoots the ball over Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots past Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) and Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) go after a loose ball in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks and Arizona Wildcats cheerleaders perform during a timeout in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; A referee looks to break up a scuffle between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) shoots over Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari instructs his team against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) commits an offensive foul against Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) reacts after hitting the court after an offensive foul against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) dribbles the ball against Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; The Arkansas Razorbacks band performs during halftime against the Arizona Wildcats during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball past Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball past Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari takes to a referee against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) reach for the ball in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; An Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks on Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots past Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) shoots over Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) shoots the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) shoots over Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) scores past Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari looks on against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) scores past Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) shoots over Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) shoots the ball against \Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) goes to the basket against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) hangs on the rim after a dunk against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reacts to a play against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) and Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) get tangled up after a foul in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
1/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) and Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) get tangled up after a foul in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) fouls Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots over Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball PG Darius Acuff Jr. declares for 2026 NBA Draft
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots past Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball SG Meleek Thomas declares for 2026 NBA Draft
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Meleek Thomas (1) shoots the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) fouls Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) dunks against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots past Arizona Wildcats guard Dwayne Aristode (2) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) dunks against Arizona Wildcats forward Ivan Kharchenkov (8) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
11/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) reacts after losing to the Arizona Wildcats in a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
12/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) is seen during a timeout against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) shoots the ball over Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) shoots past Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) and Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) go after a loose ball in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks and Arizona Wildcats cheerleaders perform during a timeout in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; A referee looks to break up a scuffle between the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
18/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) shoots over Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari instructs his team against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) commits an offensive foul against Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Billy Richmond III (24) reacts after hitting the court after an offensive foul against the Arizona Wildcats in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
22/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) dribbles the ball against Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; The Arkansas Razorbacks band performs during halftime against the Arizona Wildcats during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
24/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball past Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
25/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball past Arkansas Razorbacks forward Nick Pringle (23) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari takes to a referee against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) and Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) reach for the ball in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; An Arkansas Razorbacks cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
29/45
Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks on Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard D.J. Wagner (21) shoots past Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) shoots over Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) shoots the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (13) shoots over Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) scores past Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) dunks the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball, John Calipari land nation's best recruiting class
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari looks on against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) dunks the ball against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) scores past Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) dunks the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazile (7) shoots over Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) reaches for a loose ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Malique Ewin to transfer from Arkansas basketball, seek waiver for eligibility
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) shoots the ball against \Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks guard Darius Acuff Jr. (5) goes to the basket against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) hangs on the rim after a dunk against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
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Arkansas basketball vs Arizona in NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 photos
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reacts to a play against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
(Eakin Howard, Eakin Howard-Imagn Images)
Calipari, donning a rare button-down shirt away from the sideline, gave his expected response.
"My issue right now is we got to worry about 17, 18 and 19-year olds," Calipari said on 'First Take'. "We can't not give them scholarships because we're waiting on a 25-year old, 26-year old that can help us win more. All of a sudden, how about if it's your child? And he's 17, 18, and he's worked his whole life and he is a Division I player, but he can't get a scholarship because he's waiting on the older players."
He also bemoaned European professionals who come to college basketball looking to make more money.
"We're worried about European players who we don't know if their birth certificate is right, or not. We don't know if they're 18, or 35. We don't know," Calipari said on 'Get Up'. "They play on a professional team in Europe, but we're told they're not professional."
As long as the current system is in place, Calipari figures to be the loudest voice asking for changes. Of course, he would benefit from college basketball getting younger as an elite high school recruiter.Arkansascurrently has the No. 2 high school class in the country, according to ESPN.
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Calipari also reflected on the pastArkansasseason during his TV appearances. He described the 2025-26 campaign as "fabulous", and he was proud of players like Darius Acuff Jr. and D.J. Wagner fighting through injuries as the Hogs reached the Sweet 16 for a second consecutive season.
However, he also hinted at a potential shift in roster management based on those injuries. When Greenberg and Smith asked Calipari for his thoughts on the teams in this year's Final Four, he highlighted their roster sizes and depth.
In his two years with the Razorbacks, Caliapri has relied on short rotations that sometimes dwindle to six players when guys get hurt. He is impressed by what Arizona and Michigan have available.
"When you have those numbers, you have a lot of room for error," Calipari said. "Things can happen. Foul trouble, injuries, guys just play bad, and you play other people."
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Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him@jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
