In a recent interview, former Kentucky player DeMarcus Cousins shared his thoughts on John Calipari's departure as the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team. Cousins expressed his belief that Calipari leaving for the University of Arkansas would make it the new "hot spot" in college basketball.

Cousins initially voiced his support for Calipari, saying it would be detrimental for the Wildcats to consider any other head coach. He emphasized the impact Calipari had on the program and how replacing him would result in everything going down. However, despite his support for Calipari, Cousins recommended former Kentucky star Rajon Rondo as the perfect replacement for leading the Wildcats back to championship status.

To the surprise of Cousins and many others, Mitch Barnhart, Kentucky's athletic director, went a different route and selected BYU's Mark Pope as the program's next head coach. Cousins made it clear that he believed no matter who took over, Arkansas would now be the new hot name in college basketball.

Drawing a parallel to Calipari's move from Memphis to Kentucky, Cousins predicted that Calipari would once again be able to attract top talent and turn Arkansas into the new hot spot. Cousins likened Calipari's effect to that of Deion Sanders, who has a significant impact on any team he joins. According to Cousins, Arkansas would now boast the No. 1 recruiting class every year and become a hub for celebrities.

Cousins also pointed out that the success and influence enjoyed by Kentucky over the past decade and a half would be difficult to replicate. He emphasized the importance of being on TV every night, which he believed Arkansas would achieve, pushing them to the forefront of college basketball.

Whether Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats team have anything to say about Cousins' predictions remains to be seen. However, it is undeniable that Calipari's move to Arkansas has piqued the interest of fans and generated excitement around the future of the program.

As the college basketball landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Arkansas is poised to make a significant impact, attracting top talent and rivaling the success experienced by Kentucky in recent years.

Only time will tell if Cousins' prediction holds true, and if Arkansas can truly become the new hot spot in college basketball.