LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Sixty-two draft picks, a national championship and five coaching stops — but through it all, Arkansas men’s basketball coach John Calipari’s message has stayed the same: give back and make a difference.

On Thursday, Calipari spoke at a luncheon at Pleasant Valley Country Club, where he was named the 2025 Leader of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas.

“Only by the grace of God do you have the things you have. Something happens for you, pay it forward and what you find is how to create joy in your own life,” Calipari said.

Later in the day, he visited the Penick Boys & Girls Club, encouraging kids with a message that he sees them, hears them and wants to help them succeed in their hopes and dreams.

“It was inspirational. I play basketball, and it mot

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