Arkansas head coach John Calipari expressed his appreciation after two Razorback alumni with NBA backgrounds returned to the program. Alvin Robertson, who made his mark with the San Antonio Spurs, and Darrell Walker, who was remembered for his time with the New York Knicks, were welcomed back to Fayetteville.

Calipari’s note of gratitude celebrated not only their professional success but also their shared Arkansas roots. Known throughout his NCAA career as a coach who prioritizes his players, Calipari has long stayed connected with his former athletes, guiding many to NBA careers while fostering lasting relationships with alumni.

John Calipari Welcomes Back Alvin Robertson and Darrell Walker to Arkansas

Calipari took to X to share his excitement about welcoming back two Razorback greats, Robertson and Walker.

“Always been a fan of Alvin Robertson. Karter knew him from his highlights playing with the Spurs! Even got to see his backcourt mate Darrell Walker this weekend! Always love having those guys back on campus. He left our team with a great message!” Calipari wrote.

Throughout his NCAA career, Calipari has been known for maintaining strong connections with former players, guiding many into the NBA while fostering a sense of family within his programs. His approach has carried from Kentucky to Arkansas, where he continues highlighting alumni who have shaped college and professional basketball.

The visits from Robertson and Walker carried weight beyond nostalgia.

For Calipari, having NBA alumni return underscores the importance of keeping Arkansas’s legacy visible. By celebrating their influence, he reinforced how past success and professional ties can strengthen the program’s future in recruiting and player development.

Calipari Extends Offers to Ratliff Twins After Evaluation Stretch

Calipari’s reputation as one of college basketball’s top recruiters was built at Kentucky and Memphis, where he consistently landed in the top 10 classes. The rise of the transfer portal has shifted priorities, but high school talent still matters.

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After four weeks of evaluations, Arkansas offered scholarships to Adonis and Darius Ratliff, twin four-star big men from Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York.

The twins have drawn attention nationally. Adonis, a 6-foot-11 power forward, is ranked No. 59 by Rivals. At the same time, Darius, a seven-foot center, sits at No. 40. Alabama hosted them for an official visit last weekend, and they also hold offers from Rutgers, Louisville, and others.

Stepinac, the same program that produced former Razorback Boogie Fland, has become a consistent Division I pipeline, with alumni like R.J. Davis and A.J. Griffin. Arkansas already holds a 2026 pledge from Little Rock guard J.J. Andrews as Calipari works to round out the class.