Former head coach of Louisville and seasoned assistant at Kentucky, Kenny Payne, has been appointed as associate head coach for the Arkansas basketball team, as announced by John Calipari on Thursday. Payne, aged 57, previously competed against Calipari during his tenure in the Bluegrass State, yet the duo shared a momentous national championship victory at UK in 2012.

This marks Calipari’s inaugural staffing decision since assuming leadership of the program last week. Payne’s extensive experience spans 11 of Calipari’s 15 seasons at Kentucky, during which he played a pivotal role in recruiting elite talents for the Wildcats amidst the era of one-and-done players.

Despite Payne’s recent dismissal from Louisville following a dismal two-year period, characterized by a 12-52 record, his significant contributions to Kentucky’s success under Calipari have not gone unnoticed. While his tenure at Louisville may have tarnished his reputation as a potential head coach, Calipari’s confidence in Payne’s past achievements has prompted his appointment to a prominent role within the Arkansas coaching staff.

Having last collaborated with Calipari during the 2019-20 season, Payne’s transition from his assistant role with the New York Knicks to Arkansas signifies a strategic move amidst the evolving landscape of college basketball. While speculation suggests that Calipari may benefit from introducing fresh perspectives to his coaching staff, his decision to prioritize familiarity with Payne underscores a commitment to proven success as he embarks on the next phase of his illustrious coaching career.