Sometimes, flattery is the best path to winning someone’s heart over.
Whenever coaches or players start up a new job, they inevitably spackle on a heavy dose of praise for the school to which they’re coming. Arkansas basketball coach John Calipari understood this from the moment he stepped foot in Bud Walton Arena for his introductory press conference.
That court had been enemy territory for him for 15 years, but he successfully buttered up the Razorback fanbase by complimenting their passion and rowdiness – even when he was on the receiving end of it. Even now, Coach Cal regularly posts pictures of him getting dinner with the legendary Nolan Richardson or hosting him at a practice.