Arkansas and James Madison will share the hardwood for the first time Monday night, but while the matchup itself is brand new, the connection between the two head coaches runs deep.
James Madison head coach Preston Spradlin knows Arkansas coach John Calipari well—very well.
Calipari’s Influence Runs Through JMU’s Bench
Before climbing the coaching ladder, Spradlin spent five formative seasons at Kentucky under Calipari. He served two years as a graduate assistant before stepping into the role of director of basketball operations for three more seasons, gaining a firsthand education under one of college basketball’s most accomplished program builders.
Those years left a lasting imprint.
Now 39 and a Pikeville, Kentucky native, Spradlin has emerged as one of the sport’s rising coaching stars. He guided Morehead State to both an NCAA Tournament and an NIT appearance before taking over at James Madison. In his first season with the Dukes, he led JMU to a share of the Sun Belt regular-season title, further solidifying his reputation as a coach on the rise.
“I would not trade that for anything in the world,” Spradlin told Whole Hog Sports’ Anthony Kristensen. “As a young guy in this business, you’re going to get paid in experience. That’s certainly what I was able to get. … I was always a UK fan, so just the fact I got to be there was unbelievable.”
The respect between mentor and former pupil is obvious. Calipari has long taken pride in the success of his coaching tree, and seeing Spradlin earn his opportunity at James Madison is undoubtedly gratifying. Still, any goodwill likely pauses once the ball goes up Monday night.
Calipari vs. His Coaching Tree
History suggests Spradlin faces an uphill climb.
Calipari owns a dominant 21–1 record against former assistants, with the lone loss coming in December 2020 when Josh Pastner’s Georgia Tech squad upset Kentucky. Against high-major protégés—including Kenny Payne at Louisville and Tony Barbee at Auburn—Calipari is 8–1. Against mid-major former assistants, he is a perfect 13–0.
Spradlin will be looking to snap that streak.
Calipari has never eased up against those who once worked for him. Beating him is difficult under any circumstances—but doing so against the coach who taught you the system, the habits, and the competitive edge required at the highest level makes the challenge even steeper.
A First-Time Matchup with Added Meaning
While Arkansas and James Madison may be unfamiliar opponents, the coaches leading them are anything but strangers. Monday night brings a classic mentor-versus-student showdown, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a first-ever meeting that already carries plenty of significance.
When the ball tips, shared history gives way to competition—and for one night, respect takes a back seat to winning.
