Tubby on Mike & Mike In the Morning - ESPN Radio

**Wireman** · Mar 23, 07, 10:01 AM

I listened to an interview with Tubby this morning on ESPN Radio. He said he was moving on because of challenge (the challenge to build the Minnesota program). He was all class and didn't take any cheap shots at UK or its fans (much better approach than the the way Kyle Macy blasted MSU and its administration when he left last yeat, but that's a different story). In fact, he said Kentucky has the greatest fans and he will greatly miss the state. I personally feel that both parties will be better off this way, but Tubby is a very classy individual.

**UKPat02** · Mar 23, 07, 10:03 AM

He left for the challenge?

I suppose there was no challenge for him left at UK? Like say, remain in the Top 25 for an entire season?

**Wireman** · Mar 23, 07, 10:04 AM

Originally Posted by UKPat02

He left for the challenge?

I suppose there was no challenge for him left at UK? Like say, remain in the Top 25 for an entire season?

Yeah, that was the last thing I expected him to say, as well. They asked him to describe his reason for leaving in one sentence and that was his response.

**mobaar** · Mar 23, 07, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by UKPat02

He left for the challenge?

I suppose there was no challenge for him left at UK? Like say, remain in the Top 25 for an entire season?

The challenge at Minnesota is to have winning records, and he's very good at that.

**Wireman** · Mar 23, 07, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by mobaar

The challenge at Minnesota is to have winning records, and he's very good at that.

If Tubby wins 20 games 10 years in a row, wins the Big Ten once every 10 years, and makes the NCAA tourney every season - they'll name Minnesota's gymnasium after him.

Do the same thing at UK and they name a Rupp Arena urinal after you!

**Pancake** · Mar 23, 07, 10:18 AM

I bet Minnesota has a winning record next year.

**rockcastleraiders** · Mar 23, 07, 10:21 AM

Are they still under probation? I remember Minnesota had a final four erased from the record. Are they clean now?

**98NCCalum** · Mar 23, 07, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by Pancake

I bet Minnesota has a winning record next year.

Tall task ,they were real bad this year, but they don't lose a single player and OTS can coach!

There only 3 Big Ten wins this year were against Purdue when Purdue was palying awful, Northwenester and Penn State.

**Pancake** · Mar 23, 07, 10:23 AM

What was their record?

**98NCCalum** · Mar 23, 07, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Pancake

What was their record?

9-22

**ADopted ADmiral** · Mar 23, 07, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Wireman

Do the same thing at UK and they name a Rupp Arena urinal after you!

Sad but True.

Bluto · Mar 23, 07, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Wireman

I listened to an interview with Tubby this morning on ESPN Radio. He said he was moving on because of challenge (the challenge to build the Minnesota program). He was all class and didn't take any cheap shots at UK or its fans (much better approach than the the way Kyle Macy blasted MSU and its administration when he left last yeat, but that's a different story). In fact, he said Kentucky has the greatest fans and he will greatly miss the state. I personally feel that both parties will be better off this way, but Tubby is a very classy individual.

Excellent summation.

**MJAlltheWay24** · Mar 23, 07, 10:26 AM

I hope him the best up there in Minnesota, probably won't hear to much about him anymore.

**Wireman** · Mar 23, 07, 10:29 AM

He also said during the interview that he loves fishing and was looking forward to some ice fishing this weekend. At least he's a little more relaxed now.

By the way, this process with Minnesota started 6 weeks ago, which means Tubby most likely knew the whole time what he was planning to do - even though he never said that.

**rockcastleraiders** · Mar 23, 07, 10:31 AM

How bad was Tulsa when he got there? He took them to a Sweet 16 in like 3 years didn't he? I can't remember. He is in the Big-10 so he will have competition, and remember other than UMINN, Iowa and Michigan have new coaches.

One thing that I will love to watch is Tubby Smith vs. his biggest NCAA tournament rival Tom Izzo! Those games will be good in the years to come!

**UKPat02** · Mar 23, 07, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Wireman

He also said during the interview that he loves fishing and was looking forward to some ice fishing this weekend. At least he's a little more relaxed now.

By the way, this process with Minnesota started 6 weeks ago, which means Tubby most likely knew the whole time what he was planning to do - even though he never said that.

Most coaches like warm weather, sun, the beach. Not Tubby..no no. He likes ice fishing.

**Wireman** · Mar 23, 07, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by UKPat02

Most coaches like warm weather, sun, the beach. Not Tubby..no no. He likes ice fishing.

He's been in the cold for two seasons now - he's probably used to it.

**SMOKEANDMIRRORS** · Mar 23, 07, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by UKPat02

He left for the challenge?

I suppose there was no challenge for him left at UK? Like say, remain in the Top 25 for an entire season?

I was thinking the same thing when I heard it.

How about the challenge of improving the last two years.

**GulfCoastTyrant** · Mar 23, 07, 10:41 AM

On the Gopher message boards you are hearing the same concerns.

"If he was having trouble recruiting at KY...how can he recruit in the tundra."

They also expect him to bring in some guard talent that they need.
But, if he gets anyone to come up there it will be an improvement! haha!

Seems to me that it is a good situation for TUBS.
He will have more wins next year with several returning starters averaging double digits and build that program up in 2 - 3 years.

If by building it up, you mean more wins then losses, plays 2 games in the Big Ten Tourney and makes the NIT or 1st round of the NCAA.

**HOMELESS CAMEL** · Mar 23, 07, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by rockcastleraiders

Are they still under probation? I remember Minnesota had a final four erased from the record. Are they clean now?

They had 3 NCAA trips and all regular/postseason records wiped out in the mid 90's because of an ineligible player. No mention of it today, so I'm guessing they payed their price.