Tubby Smith: Hang the Name in the Rafters?

I love this picture in part because it includes Steve Masiello, Myron Anthony and Ryan Hogan….legends all

We brought up a topic on the radio show yesterday and today that clearly brings up strong feelings….should Tubby Smith have his name up in the rafters at UK? As of now, every coach that has won a national championship at Kentucky has his name in the rafters. In fact, I would venture to say that nearly every Coach that has won a title (save perhaps those that got the school on probation) have their name in the rafters at their school. Eventually the question will become whether Tubby should join the group. On the radio, the vast majority of callers say yes, but on the internet, the support seems a bit weaker. Some fans argue that he “didnt leave the program better than when he arrived”, thus he shouldnt be celebrated. I respond by saying this…Tubby won a title (1998), produced the only team in SEC history to go undefeated in the regular season and win the Conference Tournament (2003), had another #1 overall seed in the Tournament (2004), was a rebound away from the Final Four (2005) and lost in the Elite Eight in OT (1999). Plus he was a class act and an honor to the program. Oh yeah, and as Billy Clyde showed…it could be a lot worse.

Retiring it shouldnt be a debate…and every year that passes, it becomes less of one.