SEC basketball got a lot tougher tonight when Memphis Coach John Calipari accepted the head basketball job at Kentucky. A Sea Of Blue is reporting that the deal is done. It's also being confirmed by the Memphis Commercial-Appeal. Here's part of their story from earlier tonight...

After nearly a full day of reflection and struggle, John Calipari decided today to accept the head coaching job at Kentucky and leave the University of Memphis, according to a source close to Calipari.

The Louisville Courier-Journal and Lexington Herald-Leader reported that Calipari called former Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall to discuss the program and its tradition.

Calipari leaves Memphis after nine seasons, the last four of which elevated the Tigers' program to heights never before seen in school history, including an appearance in the 2008 NCAA championship game.

Calipari's deal at Kentucky is expected to be in the range of $5 million per year. Despite those mega-numbers, which will make Calipari the highest-paid coach in college basketball by a wide margin, Memphis had indeed offered a better deal, according to sources close to the process.