I thought we could use another Tubby thread on the board. This one courtesy of John Clay.

 

 

 

 

Let's go on record right here, right now.

Before Kentucky plays Florida today in Gainesville. Before the Cats open SEC Tournament play on Thursday. Before the Cats head on to their 15th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance next week.

Whatever happens the rest of the season makes no difference.

Tubby Smith should return as Kentucky's basketball coach.

No ifs, ands or buts about it.

Look at his record. Only four coaches have won more games in their first 16 seasons than has Smith. Only five active coaches have produced a better NCAA Tournament winning percentage. Only two coaches have been to more consecutive NCAA Tournaments -- and if Lute Olson fails to make the Big Dance that number is reduced to Roy Williams.

Look at Connecticut, the team that bounced UK from last year's NCAA Tournament. Come Selection Sunday, the Huskies will fail to hear their name called for the second time this decade.

Just four years ago Smith's team won 26 straight games. Smith was a unanimous selection as national coach of the year. Three years ago, his team was the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Two years ago, it was a double-overtime away from reaching the Final Four.

Has Kentucky basketball slipped these past two seasons? Yes. Is criticism justified? Absolutely.

But does Smith deserve the opportunity to put matters back on track?

No question.

The rest of the story

Tubby Smith should return as Kentucky's basketball coach.

 

 

 

Best line of the article!!! He is right on the money.

As upset as I am with the drop off in UK basketball, Tubby deserves ONE more year to right the ship.

As upset as I am with the drop off in UK basketball, Tubby deserves ONE more year to right the ship.

 

This is exactly where I stand as well.

As upset as I am with the drop off in UK basketball, Tubby deserves ONE more year to right the ship.

 

 

What would qualify as righting the ship? If next year they get say a 3 seed in the NCAA tournament and make say the Elite Eight, does that qualify? Or is it FF or bust?

This is exactly where I stand as well.

 

 

 

Really???? I would have thought you were ready to pack his bags, and load up his furniture for him. I must say that I'm shocked that you're willing to give him one more year.

Really???? I would have thought you were ready to pack his bags, and load up his furniture for him. I must say that I'm shocked that you're willing to give him one more year.

 

No, I've never wanted to run him out of town. But barring a great run this year, next year, at the least, he should be ranked, in the hunt for the SEC title, no 10 losses, get a decent seed in the tourney, and BE IN THE HUNT to make a good run...and he can't do it with the players he has...it will take Patterson and Lucas to have a shot IMO...

I have supported Tubby up until this year. But I wholeheartedly agree that he deserves to come back another year or more.

Tubby should return ONLY IF HE WANTS to......I personally feel it would be healthiest for him and his family to go elsewhere, but he is not deserving of being forced out.

What did you all say during last year's season?

 

Alright, let's give him two mores years. He can screw up next year (which is this year) and then a chance after that.

 

I heard people say the exact same thing last year, and look what has happened. I'm not a Tubby basher, and I like the guy, and I know he has had success (02-03)... clear the staff, bring in some new coaches that can make some offense and bring in the recruits - that is all I am asking for. I would be willing it give him another chance if he would "change."

I have supported Tubby up until this year. But I wholeheartedly agree that he deserves to come back another year or more.

 

 

So are you saying that you don't support Tubby this year?

Look at Connecticut, the team that bounced UK from last year's NCAA Tournament. Come Selection Sunday, the Huskies will fail to hear their name called for the second time this decade.

 

How is that good for Tubby?

 

Didn't UCONN win a championship this decade; I think most UK fans would prefer spontaneous perfection than consistent mediocrity.

 

Not trying to be one of the "bashers" but just pointing it out.

So are you saying that you don't support Tubby this year?

 

 

I have and always will support UK.

OTS should return to U.K.,imo no question about it. Given another recruiting class comparable and better than this seasons and you have VERY good team.

 

I stated after last season to give him two or three more years and some good recruiting classes (and more important, good attitudes......no Rondo types) coming in and if things did not improve drastically then I would join in. This years class is very good and the next one if we get everyone we are hoping for will be equally as good or better. I expected better things out of this season as well but not as good as the next couple of seasons.

Tubby should return ONLY IF HE WANTS to......I personally feel it would be healthiest for him and his family to go elsewhere, but he is not deserving of being forced out.

:thumb: I agree and I think if he does not come back it will be a family decision. I think he has a parent that is in Ill health and that may be a factor.

Kentucky is fortunate to have a class act like OTS and I really hope he returns next season.