Arkansas men’s basketball Coach John Calipari hosted his annual father-son basketball camp Friday and Saturday at the Fayetteville campus, drawing 175 boys in grades one through eight and their dads. This camp, a personal favorite of Calipari’s, offers a chance for fathers and sons to bond over hoops in the same place where Razorbacks prepare for their seasons.
The camp started early in Calipari’s head coaching career after a father suggested a joint camp where dads and kids could participate together. “I think a father came up to me and said, ‘Why don’t you do a camp where we’re together?’” Calipari recalled. From that simple idea, the father-son event grew into a tradition that the coach says brings more fun than his usual basketball clinics.
One of the moments Calipari loves most is the free-throw contest. He described how a boy making five in a row builds excitement, only for dad to come up and miss several shots, causing good-natured ribbing. “The fathers are competitive, even now. They get older and their mind stays 18,” Calipari said with a laugh. “That’s why I say all the time, if you feel something, stop. I have no more scholarships, so you can’t—you’re not impressing me.”
This camp is about creating lasting memories, not scoreboard pressure. Calipari’s approach reflects an appreciation for the simple, shared experience of playing basketball with family—something that often gets lost in the intense environment of college recruiting and game preparation.
Hosting the camp amid a busy off-season schedule shows how Calipari balances his professional duties with investing in the community. It’s easy to imagine that running a camp for 175 participants—especially with many dads eager to show their skills—would be a logistical challenge. Yet, Calipari has maintained this event as a staple of his coaching calendar for years.
For the fathers and sons who fill the courts in Fayetteville, it’s a rare chance to step away from everyday life and enjoy competitive but friendly play alongside a celebrated local coach. This kind of accessible event contrasts sharply with what similar basketball camps cost in bigger cities, where hundreds of dollars and brand-name trainers can price out families.
Calipari’s camp offers a more genuine basketball experience rooted in connection more than commerce. It’s a reminder that even in a town buzzing with Razorbacks fever and recruiting headlines, the simple joy of playing ball with someone you love can still be the highlight.
As Northwest Arkansas continues to grow and attract attention on the national sports scene, these kinds of grassroots events keep the local basketball culture grounded. For families looking for summertime activities that blend fun, sport, and quality time, Calipari’s father-son camp remains a unique offering.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
