Arkansas Basketball Struggles Under Calipari, Risk Missing NCAA Tournament

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas Razorbacks basketball, once a beacon of hope under new head coach John Calipari, is now facing a season of disappointment. With a 0-3 start in the SEC and only one win in the first two quadrants, the team’s performance has sparked national debate about its future in the NCAA Tournament.

Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander, co-hosts of a CBS Sports College Basketball podcast, recently discussed whether Arkansas or Rutgers is the season’s biggest disappointment. “I think it’s fair right now to say that Arkansas is a bigger disappointment than Rutgers, because Arkansas had preseason Top 25 recognition,” Norlander said. The Razorbacks, who were expected to compete strongly in the SEC and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, are now struggling to find their footing.

The team’s only notable win this season came against Michigan in a neutral site game in New York City, which required a significant comeback. “On Jan. 12, your second best win is over Lipscomb,” Parrish noted, highlighting the lack of quality victories. The Razorbacks’ current record stands at 11-5 overall, with a concerning 1-5 in the first two quadrants.

Norlander expressed skepticism about Calipari’s ability to turn the season around. “Arkansas might miss the tournament altogether,” he said. Parrish agreed, adding, “I think missing the NCAA Tournament is more than just on the table. I think it’s a likely scenario at this point.”

The discussion also touched on the broader implications for Calipari’s career. “The only reason you’re at Arkansas is because this is the same type of stuff that was happening at Kentucky,” Parrish said, referencing Calipari’s previous struggles. Despite the bleak outlook, Norlander suggested that the Razorbacks might still secure six SEC wins and 17 overall, potentially enough to make the tournament given the conference’s toughness.

As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Calipari and his team to reverse their fortunes. With each defeat, the Razorbacks’ relevance in the national conversation diminishes, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning whether this season can be salvaged.