"I hate seeing this more than Cal leaving": College hoops fans react to former Wildcat Tyler Ulis joining John Calipari's Arkansas squad
John Calipari’s razorbacks" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">coaching staff in Arkansas sees a major addition in the form of Tyler Ulis this offseason. He is Calipari’s former Kentucky player and will now serve as a basketball assistant. Ulis was a student assistant for the last two years under Calipari and is following him to the Razorbacks' staff.
Tyler Ulis made his NBA leap under Calipari. The All-American point guard was picked up by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft.
As soon as Ulis' Arkansas move got public, fans were quick to share their reactions.
"This is the only part of the whole ordeal than genuinely makes me sad," a fan wrote.
"I hate seeing this more than Cal leaving, Ulis was a baddddddd man. Love this guy, Cat at heart," another fan commented.
"Cal's leaving didn't bother me The mass defections didn't bother me This one did. Best of luck to him," another fan wrote.
Nevertheless, a couple of fans came forward to wish Tyler Ulis luck for the new chapter in his coaching journey.
"Hate to see Ulis go but best of luck to him. Arkansas better take care of him!," a fan commented.
"Best of luck to you Tyler!! Loved having you at UK, both as a player and coach!!! Looking forward to seeing you coach your own team one day!!!" another fan wrote.
"He’s gonna be a 🐐 coach I know it. My fave player from the old suns teams," another fan commented.
When will John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats meet next?
Given the boiling sentiments among the top two programs, a faceoff between John Calipari and Mark Pope’s squad could turn out to be a blockbuster matchup.
The Razorbacks and Kentucky will come face-to-face during the 2024-25 season. The game will be played in Rupp Arena on Feb. 1, 2025.
John Calipari ended a 15-year run with the Wildcats in April 2024 and accepted a new coaching role in Arkansas. While the Kentucky fans have shown signs of discontentment over this transition, his latest move could potentially ignite a new rivalry between the two teams.