The SEC is making waves in the 2024-25 men’s basketball season, with every team boasting a winning record and none worse than 6-3 heading into this week. As the league heats up, Arkansas head coach John Calipari lightheartedly reflected on his team’s position, joking that he once feared Arkansas might be the “guaranteed win” on other teams’ schedules.
After Arkansas’ thrilling 89-87 victory over No. 14 Michigan, Calipari spoke with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt about the Razorbacks’ growth and the SEC’s intense competition. “Woof. Woof. Woof,” Calipari exclaimed, each repetition more emphatic. “Every game in basketball now is a game you can lose. If you’re looking for wins, there are none. And for a while, I thought, ‘We were the win! Holy jeesh!’ But we’re good enough, we’re getting better, and we’re learning. It’s a brand-new team.”
The Razorbacks showcased resilience in their victory over Michigan. After trailing early, they surged ahead in the second half and held off a late Wolverines rally. Guard Boogie Fland led the charge with a game-high 20 points, supported by four other players scoring in double figures.
Calipari’s remarks highlight the SEC’s dominance this season. With nine teams ranked in the AP Top 25 and three others receiving votes, the conference currently occupies five spots in the Top 10, including the No. 1 and No. 2 teams. This level of depth underscores the league’s strength and unpredictability, making every matchup a potential challenge.
For now, Calipari is relieved that Arkansas has moved beyond being the “easy win” and is focused on building a competitive edge as conference play looms. The Razorbacks’ performance against Michigan is a promising sign of what’s to come.
