John Calipari will make a special return in the 2025-26 college basketball season, when he clashes with Memphis next October. Calipari and his Arkansas Razorbacks will face Memphis at the FedEx Forum for an exhibition game in the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic.

This game will mark Calipari’s first game in Memphis since he left the program in 2009 to coach the Kentucky Wildcats. The Oct. 27 game is scheduled for 8 p.m., right after a women’s exhibition game between Memphis and Vanderbilt.

Calipari coached the Tigers from 2000 through 2009, posting a 252-69 record that included a national championship game appearance while he coached future No. 1 pick Derrick Rose. Ahead of the special event, the former UNC Wilmington player shared his thoughts on it, sharing his excitement to return t

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