John Calipari probably wanted a smoother ride in his first season with Arkansas basketball, but what matters is making the NCAA Tournament. That’s what the Razorbacks (19-12, 8-10 SEC) are in position to do after escaping with a 93-92 win over Mississippi State on Saturday.

“If Adou doesn't play, well, then next man up,” Calipari said. “Come on, somebody else. One guy's misery is another man's opportunity. That's how you look at it.” The junior forward dealt with a back injury last season while at Kentucky. He missed seven games for the Wildcats last season.

Kentucky basketball seems to be doing just fine without John Calipari. But John Calipari isn't doing quite as well without Kentucky basketball. As of writing, Coach Cal's Arkansas Razorbacks are getting absolutely destroyed by SEC cellar-dweller South Carolina.