Former Kentucky men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith has been named to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Smith won 642 games during his Hall of Fame career at Kentucky, High Point, Tulsa, Minnesota, Georgia, Texas Tech and Memphis. He won a national championship at Kentucky in 1998.
Here is a press release from UK Athletics:
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kentucky Athletics Hall of Famer and 1998 National Champion head coach, Orlando “Tubby” Smith, has been named to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame as a part of the class of 2026, it was announced on Monday.
Smith coached the Wildcats to the program’s seventh national championship in his inaugural season in 1998, winning 35 games on his way to the title. He led UK to 22 or more victories in all 10 of his seasons at the helm from 1998-2007, winning five Southeastern Conference regular season crowns and five SEC Tournament championships.
The Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined during the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Celebration presented by UMB Private Wealth Management on Oct. 22, 2026, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Missouri.
Smith is joined in the class by fellow coaches Jay Wright and Ted Owens, BYU superstar Danny Ainge, Michigan’s Glen Rice and the late UCLA legend Walt Hazzard.
“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of college basketball – individuals whose performance, leadership and impact helped shape the game at the highest level,” said Kevin Henderson, CEO of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. “Their legacies will forever be preserved as part of the sport’s rich history.”
About Tubby Smith:
• Schools: Tulsa (1992-95), Georgia (1996-97), Kentucky (1998-2007), Minnesota (2008-13), Texas Tech (2014-16), Memphis (2017-18), High Point (2019-22)
• Career Record: 642-370 (.634)
• 1998 NCAA National Champion
• 2003 Naismith College Coach of the Year, AP College Basketball Coach of the Year, NABC Coach of the Year and USBWA Henry IBA Award
• Five-time SEC regular-season champion
• Five-time SEC Tournament champion
• Three-time SEC Coach of the Year
• During his 10 seasons at Kentucky, Smith amassed a 263-83 record, leading the Wildcats to four Elite Eight appearances and 10 NCAA Tournament berths
• Two-time Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year
• 2016 Big 12 Coach of the Year
• Led five programs to the NCAA Tournament, one of three coaches in NCAA history to achieve the feat
About the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history, tradition and lasting impact of college basketball. Located adjacent to the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, it honors the players, coaches and contributors who helped shape the game at the highest level. Through annual induction ceremonies, exhibits and educational programs, the Hall of Fame shares the stories behind unforgettable moments, championship teams and influential leaders. The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame is housed within the College Basketball Experience, an interactive fan destination where visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, test their skills on the court, and learn about the history and traditions of the game.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s basketball team, follow @KentuckyMBB on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
