It’s a significant week in Kentucky, where college basketball holds immense importance. John Calipari is set to make his return to Rupp Arena on Saturday, marking his first visit since he left the University of Kentucky to coach Arkansas. Given his 15-season tenure at Kentucky, which included winning the 2012 NCAA championship, the atmosphere is expected to be quite emotional.
Recently, Kentucky Sports Radio host Matt Jones commented on Calipari while addressing some of Seth Greenberg’s remarks on ESPN regarding Wildcats fans. We caught up with Jones to gain insight into fandom and his frustrations.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Awful Announcing: What kind of reception will Calipari get on Saturday?
Matt Jones: “In a large crowd, boos tend to be louder than cheers, so you might hear some boos. Cal has his supporters, but there will also be a negative contingent. Overall, I expect a mixed response. Fans are conflicted about it.”
How did it all go wrong for Calipari?
“It’s a combination of things. Primarily, they haven’t won enough. Since COVID, he’s recorded just one SEC tournament win and one NCAA tournament win; that’s frustrating for the fans. Many felt the teams had more talent than their results showed. Additionally, over time, Calipari became more distanced from the fan base, which some found off-putting. This shift, combined with poor performances, led many to consider moving on.”
What does the media get wrong about Kentucky fans?
“I often find it frustrating how the media portrays Kentucky fans. They assume that being passionate and enthusiastic is negative. While there are always extremes in any fan base, the online Kentucky basketball community is notably vocal, making it stand out. If the media really wants to engage with their audience, they should recognize that no fans care more than Kentucky fans. Just ask any college basketball writer: what stories generate the most clicks? Anything about Kentucky. Kentucky and Duke shape the sport, regardless of their current standing.”
What does the media get right about Kentucky fans?
“Most media members agree that Kentucky fans are the most passionate in college basketball. Many recognize the cultural significance of basketball in Kentucky; it’s the main sport here. It’s a bigger deal than in any other state, affecting not just economics but also the morale of the state.”
What’s your relationship with Seth Greenberg now?
“We’ve been friendly, but recently it’s been tense. Seth gets upset over criticism of Cal since they’re friends. I understand his perspective, but it’s important for me to voice what Kentucky fans feel. While Seth reaches out with frustrated messages, I think he should realize that my role is to represent Kentucky supporters.”
Can you elaborate on your criticism of Greenberg?
“Kentucky fans don’t need someone outside the fan base dictating what a ‘real’ fan should do. There are varied opinions among fans, and it’s inappropriate for someone like Seth to define that. I wouldn’t do the same for a team I’m not a fan of, so I find that stance perplexing.”
We are not in need of announcers telling BBN how to be “real” fans pic.twitter.com/gazNYLn8g1
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) January 21, 2025
Have you heard from Greenberg since?
“He expressed his frustration regarding my comments, and while I won’t go into detail, he was unhappy. My job is to voice Kentucky sports and represent the fans’ perspectives. I reminded him that if I’m upset, think about how others might feel. He may not like it, and that’s alright.”
College Gameday is going to North Carolina vs. Duke instead of Arkansas vs. Kentucky. Do you see a conspiracy there?
“Some people believe that, but it’s unfounded. ESPN has a vested interest in both Kentucky and Duke because they drive the sport. If Arkansas had been performing well, they might have chosen them, but with Arkansas struggling and Kentucky being only moderately good, the decision to feature Carolina-Duke wasn’t surprising.”
How do Kentucky fans feel about Mark Pope?
“They adore him. Being part of the Kentucky fan base himself helps, and he has consistently done right by the community. Pope encourages fans to engage more passionately, in contrast to Calipari’s later approach of downplaying that enthusiasm. Pope’s media relationships are strong, especially compared to Cal’s declining rapport towards the end.”
What do you hope Calipari says on Saturday in the postgame press conference?
“I expect Cal to take the high road. He’s managed to stay positive about Kentucky since his departure, even through the difficult reactions he may face. I liked Cal during most of his tenure and think he’s a genuinely good person. While it may sting initially, I believe that in time, he’ll be welcomed back in Rupp, similar to Rick Pitino last year.”
