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          Devin Booker provides Book 1s to Arkansas ahead of Sweet 16

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          Calipari tells McAfee about Kentucky exit and success at Arkansas (2:04)

          John Calipari joins "The Pat McAfee Show" to discuss being at peace with his exit from Kentucky and to praise his players and staff at Arkansas for not giving up after a rough start to the season. (2:04)

          • J.J. PostMar 27, 2025, 06:36 PM ET

          The Arkansas Razorbacks will hit the court for their Sweet 16 matchup against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Thursday in style, courtesy of one of their coach's top former players.

          Head coach John Calipari is currently finishing up his first year in Fayetteville, having spent the previous 15 seasons coaching the Kentucky Wildcats. Among Calipari's most impressive future NBA stars during his time in the Bluegrass State was Devin Booker, who teamed up with Karl-Anthony Towns and other future professionals on the 2014-15 Wildcats team that was two wins away from a perfect 40-0 season.

          Now a four-time All-Star with the Phoenix Suns, Booker helped get his coach's new squad ready for their Sweet 16 showdown by giving the Razorbacks team his signature Book 1 LX sneakers.

          Booker also showed love to his alma mater earlier in the season -- new Kentucky coach Mark Pope showed off the Book 1 Wildcat-themed special edition after his squad's exhibition win over Minnesota State.

          Arkansas will tip off against Texas Tech with a spot in the Elite Eight on the line at 10:09 p.m. ET.