"Our kids have earned over $5 billion": Arkansas HC John Calipari puffs about helping recruits become NBA stars under his guidance

John Calipari left Kentucky after 15 years to team up with Arkansas. The coach has been one of the most influential in the college basketball landscape over the years and that was a good reason the Razorbacks decided to lure him over.

In his recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” John Calipari boasted about how he's been able to help recruits build a career in the NBA when discussing recruiting. Citing figures, he showed his influence in creating top stars for the professional stage.

“70% of the players that we've recruited in the last 15 years have been drafted. 73% of those 70% have gotten to second contracts.. I believe we have 30% of the max contract in the NBA are my guys and our kids have earned over $5 billion without endorsements, just NBA contracts.”

Mark Pope grateful to John Calipari for his good work at Kentucky

John Calipari’s legacy at Kentucky is undoubtedly that can't be overlooked. He made the Wildcats a dominant force once again in the college basketball landscape, leading them to two national championship games, winning one and four Final Four appearances.

His successor at Kentucky, Mark Pope, who is also an alumnus of the program, expressed gratitude to him at a news conference in Lexington on Tuesday. Pope is aware of the high standard Calipari has created at the program and what he is expected to live up to in the job.

"Well, the one thing I know is [Calipari] is one of the greatest coaches to ever coach here," Pope said. "I mean, he went to four Final Fours in five years and coached a million draft picks and represented Kentucky really well and gave his heart and soul to this place."

“As [Big Blue Nation], and I'm just as much a member of [Big Blue Nation] as anyone, all of us will be grateful to him forever. And he's a Hall of Fame coach,” he continued.

Will Calipari build a successful program in Arkansas?

Following successful tenures at three college basketball programs; UMass, Memphis and Kentucky, John Calipari faces the challenge of building another successful program at Arkansas.

The Razorbacks haven't been a dominant program over the years as they played in their last Final Four in 1995. However, they've got some potential to compete having played in two of the last three Elite Eight.

His legacy in college basketball is proof enough that Calipari is capable of transforming Arkansas into a contender in the landscape. Many are anticipating how long it will take him to get it done.