Kentucky has been knocked off its SEC throne by the Florida Gators, and UK fans aren’t taking it well. It has upped the vitriol for the many critics of Kentucky coach Tubby Smith, and calls for his dismissal will reach a fever pitch if the ‘Cats don’t find a way to reach the Final Four in 2007. A large portion of Kentucky fans feel it is their birthright to reach the Final Four, and these fans have allowed themselves to be sucked into a mythology that is well, largely myth. Yes, UK basketball has been one of the most outstanding programs in NCAA history, but the idea that Kentucky has always won and always occupied the top of the moutain is highly erroneous. I’ll spend today defending Tubby Smith and pointing out that even the legendary Adolph Rupp had some rough patches in his remarkably successful tenure at Kentucky. Plus, who can forget the immortal W.H.H. Mustaine (and others), the originator of Kentucky basketball, who went 21-35 from 1903 to 1909. And Basil Hayden, UK’s first basketball All-American, went a disturbing 3-13 in his only season as head coach. Basil proved two things…great players don’t always make great coaches, and Kentucky (contrary to popular belief) hasn’t always won. But they’ve always expected to…maybe that’s why Basil was one and done…
Well said–this is the program that ran John Mauer out after going 40-14.
Seriously though, I agree that Tubby can coach–his record stands for itself. No the style is not as flashy as Pitino, nor is the personality. But the results are still pretty doggone good.
If I can knock one thing about Tubby it would be this. Even though the edge is small, the name UK should make an impression on some recruits, but how often does KY really get the “name” guy anymore. I know Crawford and Morris were big time signees, but there have been a lot of others that just don’t look like big time players (Stockton, Perry, and the list can go on). Is it Tubby’s style of play or the scowl.
As one who doesn’t buy into all the recuiting hype that all other UK fans long for, I must say it would be nice to have that one “go-to” stud that can be counted on the big basket. Wouldn’t you rather have had Tony Delk lauching those threes Saturday night than watch Jasper pass on shot after shot?
I really think if Tubby can get that one superstar, and then surround them with role players who would jump off the building for him (where Chuck Hays when you need him), then UK could get back to the top of the heap where as all the millions of citizens of the Bluegrass State know where they should be.
Chief,
Looks like Tennessee got an early Valentine’s gift from Tubby…..I know a certain 6′6″ Kentuckian that isn’t too happy right now…..Hey Kentucky Fans, relax, there’s always football season!
Darth