FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The storied Arkansas-Memphis basketball rivalry may soon return to the spotlight, as coaches John Calipari and Penny Hardaway have publicly discussed staging an exhibition game to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
On a recent episode of the Two Cents Podcast hosted by Hardaway, Calipari made it clear that he’s eager for the matchup—provided it comes with a reunion for his former Memphis players.
“You start with this exhibition, but they’re gonna have all my former players come back,” Calipari said. “I coached 50, 60 guys. I say bring them all back. Now, that encourages me to do this.”
Calipari, who led Memphis from 2000-2009, is still closely tied to the city. Under his watch, the Tigers posted a 214-68 record, made six NCAA Tournament appearances, and reached the 2008 national title game (a run later vacated by the NCAA due to eligibility issues involving Derrick Rose).
Calipari’s relationship with Memphis has sometimes been complicated, especially regarding recognition for that 2007-08 squad. In 2017, he called it “unfortunate” the team isn’t honored with a banner at FedEx Forum.
Hardaway, who took the Memphis job in 2018 and has quickly become a city favorite, sounded enthusiastic about making the game happen
“It would be great for the city, great for both programs, and even better for St. Jude,” he said on the podcast. “We’ll do everything we can to make it work.”
The Arkansas-Memphis series is one of the region’s great traditions, with the teams deadlocked at 11-11 all-time. The last meeting came in the 2023 Battle 4 Atlantis, where Memphis earned an 84-79 win.
Their regular meetings from 1991 to 2003 helped cement the rivalry’s reputation.
Memphis fans agree.
“It’s more than just basketball—these games bring the whole community together,” said Tigers supporter Alicia Carter.
If the exhibition becomes reality, it could double as a homecoming for stars like Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans.
“I think it would mean a lot to the city and to the guys who played here,” Rose said in a 2021 ESPN interview. “We accomplished something special, even if it’s not in the record books.”
The charity aspect is significant. St. Jude, headquartered in Memphis, is globally known for leading pediatric cancer research and care.
“A game like this could raise a lot of money and awareness for a great cause,” said St. Jude spokesperson Kelly Schulz.
As for logistics, Calipari’s participation hinges on Memphis celebrating those former Tigers.
“Unless they’re gonna bring back my players, then I’m not gonna do it,” he told Hardaway bluntly.
While details are still being worked out, the momentum is real.
For Calipari, it’s a chance to honor his legacy and reconnect with Memphis. For Hardaway and the Tigers, it’s an opportunity to rally the community and support a world-class cause.
