There is a new banner in the Rupp rafters honoring former Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith. Smith coached the Wildcats to an NCAA championship in 1998 before leaving for Minnesota. Kentucky’s Mitch Barnhart announced the addition of the banner to the rafters, surprising Smith with the news.
Tubby Smith
The Rupp rafters are a legendary basketball franchise in High Point, North Carolina. On December 31, they will pay tribute to legendary basketball coach Tubby Smith. Smith, who won seven national championships, will be honored in the Rupps rafters at Rupp Arena. The all-star lineup and strong young core of the Rupps rafters make for an unforgettable night.
Coach Orlando “Tubby” Smith coached the Kentucky men’s basketball team from 1997 to 2007. He won the 1998 National Championship in his first season, and was a beloved figure in Lexington. In 1997, Smith returned to the University of Kentucky as Pitino’s successor.
Smith was the head coach of the 1998 National Championship team and won three National Coach of the Year awards during his tenure at UK. Barnhart called Smith Tuesday night to share the news that Smith would retire from coaching. Smith will join the likes of Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall and Rick Pitino in Rupp Arena. While Smith said it will take time to understand the significance of his retirement, he remained humble and grateful for the honor.
Smith spent 10 seasons coaching the Kentucky Cats, winning at least 22 games per season. He compiled a 263-83 (76.0%) career record with UK, and he is a four-time SEC Coach of the Year. Smith has also led the Cats to six NCAA Tournament appearances, five Sweet 16s, and four Elite Eights.
Smith first came to High Point in 1969 as a student and was named captain of the team as a senior. He coached at High Point and Texas Tech before returning to High Point as a head coach in 2018. His 637-363 career record is a great accomplishment and the team will be excited to host his 1,000th game in college.
Smith will be honored on December 31 by the university. His number will be retired from Rupp Arena and he will join the ranks of Kentucky basketball legends. His jersey will be raised to the rafters when High Point visits the campus on Dec. 31. During the pre-game ceremony, Smith was surprised by the announcement and was genuinely touched by the gesture.
Smith coached the Kentucky men’s basketball team to the 1998 NCAA championship. His jersey will be displayed in the Rupps rafters before the Wildcats take on the Panthers on New Years Eve, 2021. Smith, who left Kentucky in 2007, is now the head coach at High Point University in North Carolina. The Carolina High Point Panthers will play UK this season.
One of the first basketball arenas to feature a rafter was Rupp Arena. It was the place where Tony Delk hung his jersey. This 6-foot-1 guard was one of the most dominant players in college basketball. He led Tennessee in scoring two years in a row, but still needed to improve his ball-handling and defense.
Rupps Rafters
Oscar Tshiebwe
Oscar Tshiebwe is one of the best players in college basketball. A transfer from West Virginia, Tshiebwe averages 17.4 points per game and is a first-team All-American. The big forward ranks ahead of Kenny Walker, Tony Delk and Jack Givens in the country. He has already filled the trophy cabinet at Rupp Stadium with his stellar play.
Despite his small size, Oscar Tshiebwe is averaging more than 17 points per game. His career high of 26 points is not far off. Tshiebwe flirted with 30 points and had 13 rebounds against Vanderbilt. His performance earned him the SEC Player of the Year award.
Aside from his play on the court, Tshiebwe’s jersey is being placed in the rafters in honor of the Kentucky Wildcats’ win over the Pirates. The remembrance of a legendary coach is a special occasion for the school. During his 10-year tenure as head coach of the Wildcats, Smith led UK to the NCAA Championship in 1998. The collegiate basketball program is now under new head coach John Calipari, who is excited to honor the former UK star.
Rupp Arena is filled with a lively crowd. Not cardboard cutouts, but real fans who are passionate about the program. During the second half, the fans chanted and cheered. They were also provided with a highlight reel by Davion Mintz and Daimion Collins. The team will now face Notre Dame in an upcoming game.
Oscar Tshiebwe jerseys
Oscar Tshiebwe is a basketball legend, so it is only fitting that his jerseys grace the rafters of Rupps Arena. The two-time Player of the Year has more than enough accolades and averages to stand with any player in program history. Despite playing in only 34 games, his career totals are comparable to those of many of the best players of all time. He is ranked second all-time in rebounding with 15.2 rebounds per game and is ranked 11th all-time in scoring with 17.4 points per game.
The Kentucky Wildcats have a tradition of retiring their star players’ jerseys. Anthony Davis, who was named NPOY last season, is the first player to have his jersey retired before Tshiebwe’s. It takes five years for a Kentucky player to be inducted into the UK Hall of Fame, and he must wait at least five years before his name is on a UK varsity jersey.
In the game against High Point, UK won 92-48. The Wildcats also honored former UK head coach Tubby Smith before the game. Smith led the UK Wildcats for 10 years and won the national championship while at the university. Oscar Tshiebwe led the Wildcats with 15 points, while Ty Washington added nine assists. The Cats are now preparing to play LSU in the next game, which is slated for a noon tip-off.
As the current National Player of the Year, Oscar Tshiebwe had his heart set on changing his jersey number. He wanted to change to a more prominent number that would unify the team. A change of number from his former jersey number would have allowed the Big Blue Nation to rally around him, especially if he wore a number nine.
In addition to his stellar playing career, Oscar Tshiebwe has been an exceptional ambassador for Kentucky. He has worked with Beaumont Middle School in Lexington, where 16 African students attend. He has a personal connection to the city. He has been an inspiration to the entire school.
Oscar Tshiebwe has a record-breaking game for the Wildcats. His 20-point effort was the third time he has reached this plateau this season. His teammates have also done well in recent weeks. The Kentucky basketball team took home four players in double figures, including Oscar Tshiebwe. Other notable players are TyTy Washington, Davion Mintz, and TySean Washington.
Rupps Rafters