John Calipari's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of John Calipari.

John Calipari is a prominent American basketball coach, currently the head coach at the University of Arkansas. He is a three-time Naismith College Coach of the Year recipient and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying his impact and contributions to the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: Dominance in College Basketball

From 1992 to 1996, UMass became one of the most dominant programs in college basketball by winning both the Atlantic 10 regular season and conference tournament championships.

1992: Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year

In 1992, John Calipari was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year.

1993: Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year

In 1993, John Calipari was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year.

1993: UMass Defeats North Carolina

In 1993, UMass defeated defending NCAA champion and preseason #1 North Carolina in the pre-season NIT at Madison Square Garden.

1996: Dominance in College Basketball

From 1992 to 1996, UMass became one of the most dominant programs in college basketball by winning both the Atlantic 10 regular season and conference tournament championships.

1996: Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year, National Coach of the Year Nominations, and Final Four Appearance

In 1996, John Calipari was named Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year. He was also named the Naismith, NABC, Basketball Times & Sporting News National Coach of the Year. He also led UMass to its first-ever appearance in the Final Four.

1996: Naismith College Coach of the Year

In 1996, John Calipari was named Naismith College Coach of the Year.

1998: Tubby Smith wins NCAA Championship at Kentucky

In 1998, Tubby Smith won an NCAA Championship at Kentucky.

2002: NIT Championship at Memphis

In 2002, John Calipari won the NIT Championship at Memphis.

2004: Calipari inducted into National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

In 2004, John Calipari was inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

2006: Conference USA Coach of the Year

In 2006, John Calipari was named Conference USA Coach of the Year.

January 21, 2008: Tigers Ranked No. 1 in AP Poll

On January 21, 2008, John Calipari led the Tigers to the No. 1 ranking in the AP Poll for only the second time in school history.

2008: Naismith College Coach of the Year

In 2008, John Calipari was named Naismith College Coach of the Year for the second time and Conference USA Coach of the Year. He led the Memphis Tigers to an NCAA Division I Men's Basketball record for most victories in a season.

2008: Second Naismith College Coach of the Year Award

In 2008, John Calipari was named Naismith College Coach of the Year for the second time.

December 21, 2009: Kentucky reaches 2,000th victory

On December 21, 2009, John Calipari led Kentucky to their 12th victory of the season, marking the program's 2,000th victory ever.

2009: Sports Illustrated College Basketball Coach of the Year

In 2009, John Calipari was named Sports Illustrated College Basketball Coach of the Year and Conference USA Coach of the Year.

February 26, 2011: Calipari recognized for 500th career victory

On February 26, 2011, John Calipari was initially recognized for his 500th career victory as a Division I men's basketball coach after Kentucky beat the Florida Gators.

2011: Kentucky Wildcats Records

In 2011-2012 the Kentucky Wildcats earned a new NCAA Division I Men's Basketball record for most victories in a season.

March 15, 2012: NCAA officially recognizes Calipari's 500th victory

Due to vacated games, the NCAA officially recognized Calipari's 500th all-time coaching victory on March 15, 2012.

2012: Kentucky Wildcats Records

In 2011-2012 the Kentucky Wildcats earned a new NCAA Division I Men's Basketball record for most victories in a season.

2012: Kentucky National Championship and Dominican Republic National Team

In 2012, John Calipari led Kentucky to a national championship. He also continued as the head coach of the Dominican Republic national team.

2012: NCAA Championship at Kentucky

In 2012, John Calipari won the NCAA Championship at Kentucky.

September 11, 2015: Calipari inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

On September 11, 2015, John Calipari was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2015: Induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2015, John Calipari was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He also won the Naismith College Coach of the Year for the third time.

September 21, 2021: Clarion University court renamed John V. Calipari Court

On September 21, 2021, the main basketball court at Clarion University's Tippin Gymnasium was officially renamed the John V. Calipari Court, known as "Coach Cal Court."

March 19, 2023: Calipari's official record as of March 19, 2023

As of March 19, 2023, Calipari's official record is 790–251 (.759), accounting for vacated wins and losses in 1995–96 at UMass and in 2007–08 at Memphis.