“Last year he couldn’t figure that sh*t out early”: NCAA analyst discusses John Calipari and Arkansas’ chances of winning the SEC title

Jeff Goodman is getting real about John Calipari’s Arkansas squad. In an episode of “The Field of 68: After Dark” posted to YouTube on Wednesday, analysts Goodman and Rob Dauster discussed the Razorbacks’ chances of winning the SEC title next season. Goodman highlighted one particular player who he believes can be a difference-maker for Calipari’s team.

“I like this Arkansas team, super talented up front," Goodman said. “It’s going to be interesting to see. They’ve got like nine deep of talented guys and Darius Acuff is going to be fun to watch. I don't think enough people are talking about him in that system and how electric he's going to be.” (1:04)

Goodman pointed out that although next season’s Arkansas team is full of talent, Calipari will have to determine how to utilize it early if he hopes to bring home an SEC title.

“Now the question is how does it all mesh together with those guys as well?,” Goodman asked. “As we saw with Cal last year, he couldn't figure that sh*t out early with who to play and how to play.”

The Razorbacks have the makings of a solid SEC contender next season, but Goodman argues that Calipari’s squad will need to get off to a quicker start than last year.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional-Arkansas at Texas Tech - Source: Imagn

John Calipari’s Arkansas will look to build on its 2024-25 season

John Calipari shocked the basketball world when he ended his 15-year tenure at Kentucky to take over as the head coach at Arkansas. It took a while for his inaugural Razorbacks team to find its footing, but Calipari ultimately led the team to a successful season.

The 2024-25 campaign was off to a good start for Arkansas as the squad entered SEC play 11-2. However, the beginning of conference play wasn’t kind, and Calipari’s squad quickly fell to 1-6 in conference.

The Razorbacks spent much of the season as an NCAA Tournament bubble team but proved themselves as the season progressed. From the beginning of February to the end of their March Madness run, the Razorbacks went 10-6.

NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament West Regional Practice - Source: Imagn

Despite a rocky start, Arkansas held its own in a dominant SEC and defeated Kentucky, Calipari’s former team, 89-79 on February 1. The Razorbacks received a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament and upset No. 7 Kansas and No. 2 St. John’s to advance to the Sweet 16.

Calipari’s debut season at Arkansas was ultimately a success, but if he wants to build on this momentum next season, he will need to ensure his squad gets off to a strong start.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by John Maxwell