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Tubby Smith steps down at High Point, lets son G.G. take over as head coach
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Tubby Smith is a coaching legend. He’s 1 of only 3 men’s hoops coaches ever to lead 5 different programs (Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota and Texas Tech) to the NCAA Tournament. He also led Kentucky to the NCAA title in 1998.
But, now, at age 70, it appears his illustrious career is over. For the past 4 years, Smith has been coaching at his alma mater, High Point.
On Wednesday, the school announced that he was stepping down and turning the program over to his son, G.G. Smith, after contracting COVID-19:
Smith felt that after contracting COVID 19 for a second time, in less than a year and having been away from the Program for an extended period, that the timing was right for this change. He will continue his involvement at HPU through the end of the year assisting with alumni and community engagement, as well as, fundraising for athletics and other university priorities.
Smith issued a statement thanking High Point for allowing him to coach at his alma mater:
“I feel blessed to have had an amazing career leading, coaching and teaching great young men at first-class institutions,” Smith said. “Working at my alma mater during this stage of my career has been a dream. I’m thrilled that G.G. will be taking over as head coach. He will do a super job. Moving forward Donna and I will continue the work we have done for over two decades to support and assist the University as proud alums of HPU. HPU will always have a very special place in our hearts as we met and fell in love here at High Point. Our commitment and passion for HPU will never wane and we intend to continue be an integral part of its growth and prosperity well into the future.
I always tell kids about the importance of getting an education, and that is what I got from High Point University – an education on how to make decisions, how to live and conduct myself, and how to help others.”
Smith finishes his career with an overall record of 642-369.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 14 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.