Kentucky just learned the hardest John Calipari lesson possible after Hogs' SEC glory

Arkansas coach John Calipari works with his team during the second half of a SEC tournament semifinal game against Mississippi at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, March 14, 2026. | ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesSometimes, in college basketball, the hardest lessons come in the most unexpected ways. For the Kentucky Wildcats and their fans, that lesson has arrived loud and clear, courtesy of a familiar face: John Calipari.

When Calipari left Kentucky to take the helm at Arkansas, many expected the Wildcats to remain a powerhouse once again under Mark Pope, while the Razorbacks might see a modest lift. Nobody could have predicted what has…