“Thank God I don’t have to defend this anymore”: College hoops fans berate John Calipari’s monologue

John Calipari enjoyed a winning start to his tenure as Arkansas head coach, as the Razorbacks scored a 76-60 victory over the Lipscomb Bisons on Wednesday. While the Razorbacks' performance in their season opener may have won him favor on-court, his postgame press conference wasn't quite as effective in doing the same, rubbing some fans the wrong way.

Soon after the Razorbacks' victory, a clip featuring some key moments from Calipari's first postgame press conference as Arkansas head coach surfaced on X. From mocking his team's dismal 3-point shooting to having an animated conversation with a reporter, Calipari's press conference had it all.

Coach Cal talked for two straight minutes to start his presser, then asked reporters, "So you have no questions?" One reporter told him they were "just waiting for you to stop," and Cal responded, "I don't ever stop."

This triggered various reactions from fans, who took to X to voice their opinions. A few of them seemed to be Kentucky Wildcats fans, who showed gratitude to Calipari for switching to their SEC rivals during the offseason.

"Thank God I don’t have to defend this anymore," said one fan.

"Even when he was winning at UK, I was always annoyed at how he would lecture the media and ask them rhetorical questions," said another fan.

Another fan added, "He couldn’t give less of a f**k at this point. Good luck Arkansas!"

Other fans seemed to enjoy his jabs at the press, appreciating the energy he brought to his new job at Arkansas.

One fan exclaimed, "Never change, coach!"

"I feel so happy for Arkansas right now," said another fan.

Another fan added, "We laughed several times in this press conference- it was great!"

Ex-Kentucky stars help John Calipari win debut game at Arkansas

Through John Calipari, the Razorbacks benefitted from some of Kentucky's top stars following him to Arkansas. Among them were four-star transfers DJ Wagner Jr., Adou Thierro, big man Zvonimir Ivisic, and five-star prospect Boogie Fland, who flipped his commitment to the Wildcats following Calipari's move.

John Calipari assembled the second-best signing class in the nation this season. (Imagn)

Fland impressed on his official debut in college basketball, finishing as the Razorbacks' top scorer with 17 points. Ivisic ably supported him by scoring 12 points, while Florida Atlantic transfer Johnell Davis chipped in with 15 points and six rebounds to cap off a fine day for the Razorbacks.

Calipari and the Razorbacks will head to Dallas to face No. 8 Baylor Bears on November 9, who will be keen to bounce back following their embarrassing defeat to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in their season opener.