Buckley: Arkansas vs. Memphis is a nice exhibition. Will John Calipari help make it a game that counts?
University of Arkansas head coach John Calipari speaks with old friends and former players after a press conference at FedExForum Sept. 2, 2025. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Tim Buckley
Tim is a veteran sportswriter who graduated from CBHS in Memphis and the University of Missouri. He previously covered LSU sports in Baton Rouge, and the University of Louisiana football and basketball for The Daily Advertiser/USA TODAY Network in Lafayette, the NBA’s Utah Jazz for the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning for the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, and West Texas State basketball for the Amarillo Globe News in Texas.
File this one in the “can’t-hurt-to-ask” column.
So we did, after long-rumored plans for an Oct. 27 preseason basketball game between coach Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers and John Calipari’s preseason No. 20 Arkansas Razorbacks became reality Tuesday with word that the matchup will highlight the second annual Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic at FedExForum.
Making official what was suspected begs some obvious questions:
This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.
Topics
Memphis Tigers Basketball Arkansas Razorbacks John Calipari Ed Scott Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic Subscriber OnlyThank you for being a subscriber to The Daily Memphian. Your support is critical.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit news organization with a hybrid business model, we rely on a mix of revenue from subscriptions (50%), advertising, events and miscellaneous earned income (25%) and fundraising (25%).
Please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation or other contribution to The Daily Memphian today.
👉 Your subscription pays for you to read all our journalism.
👉 Your donation powers the work we do to reach everyone else with the news.
We believe an informed Memphis is a better Memphis. If you agree, join our growing list of donors now.
Related stories
Memphis to host Arkansas, former Tigers coach John Calipari in preseason game benefitting St. Jude
The Tigers’ men’s team will take on Arkansas, while the Tigers’ women’s team will face Vanderbilt in the second annual Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic.
Tony Barnhart: Memphis football has to ‘keep plugging’ for next opportunity
“If you’re Memphis … it’s all about putting your best foot forward for when the next TV contract comes along,” CBS Sports college football insider Tony Barnhart said Monday. “Right now, at this time, it didn’t work out for Memphis. Maybe next time, it will.”
Martin: In new world of high-dollar college athletics, Memphis refuses to be priced out
“The new deal isn’t a panacea for Memphis athletics like getting into the Big 12 would be, but it’s the next best thing to keep the Tigers afloat in the intermediate.”
Comments
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.