The rivalry between the Memphis Tigers and the Arkansas Razorbacks is a storied one that dates back to the 1990s when the two teams regularly faced off in on-campus contests. However, the series came to an abrupt end in 2003 when then-Memphis head coach John Calipari decided to discontinue the annual matchup. Since then, there have been calls from both fan bases to renew the rivalry, with current Memphis head coach Josh Pastner expressing his regret over not extending the series during his tenure.
Pastner, who took over from Calipari at Memphis, recently spoke on the Hawgs Sports Network Daily Podcast about his thoughts on reviving the Memphis-Arkansas basketball series. He acknowledged the importance of the rivalry, citing the regional ties and recruiting battles between the schools as key factors that made the matchup so compelling in previous decades. Pastner emphasized the significance of bringing back the home-and-home series for the sake of the fan bases and the basketball community at large.
The last time the Tigers and Razorbacks faced off was in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament last season, where Memphis emerged victorious with an 84-79 win over Arkansas. The game marked the first meeting between the two teams in 20 years and reignited discussions about renewing the rivalry. With the series currently tied at 11-11, there is a sense of unfinished business between the two programs that fans are eager to see resolved on the court.
Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway has been vocal about his desire to reignite the rivalry since taking over the Tigers in 2018-19. He has expressed optimism about the possibility of facing off against Arkansas, noting the enthusiasm of Razorbacks fans for the matchup. Hardaway’s comments have sparked renewed interest in the series, with many hoping that the two teams will meet again in the near future.
While there have been discussions about renewing the rivalry, no concrete plans have been made as of yet. Former Memphis head coach John Calipari, who now leads the Razorbacks, has not committed to the proposal but has expressed fond memories of his time at Memphis. With Calipari at the helm of the Arkansas program, there is a sense of anticipation among fans for a potential revival of the Memphis-Arkansas rivalry.
As both teams continue to build their programs and aim for success in the NCAA Tournament, the prospect of a renewed rivalry adds an exciting element to the college basketball landscape. With the history and tradition that the Memphis-Arkansas series brings, there is no doubt that fans on both sides are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see their teams face off once again. Whether it’s on the court or in the stands, the rivalry between the Tigers and Razorbacks is sure to captivate audiences and reignite the passion of college basketball fans everywhere.