Tubby Smith steps down as High Point Panthers men’s basketball coach, son GG Smith takes over
Tubby Smith announced Wednesday that he will be stepping down as High scoreMen’s basketball team head coach. His son, GG Smith, will take over for the rest of this season and for the 2022-23 campaign.
Tubby Smith, 70, took action after a second use of COVID-19 kept him out of the show for a long time. High Point said in a statement that it will support alumni and community engagement and fundraising for athletics later this year.
“I feel fortunate to have had an amazing career leading, coaching and educating amazing young men at first-class academies,” Smith said in the statement. “Working at my alma mater at this stage of my career has been a dream. I am delighted that GG will take over as head coach. He will do an amazing job.
“Move forward [wife] Donna and I will continue the work we’ve done for over two decades to support and help the University as proud members of HPU. HPU will always have a very special place in our hearts as we met and fell in love at High Point. Our commitment and passion for HPU will never wane and we intend to continue to be an integral part of its growth and prosperity into the future. “
Tubby Smith was hired by High Point in 2018 after being fired by Memphis. He received a 5-year contract and scored 45-68 as the school’s head coach.
Athletic Director Dan Hauser said: “Tubby Smith is the head coach of the Hall of Fame and HPU has been fortunate to have him lead our men’s basketball program. “From day one with the Panthers, Coach Smith established a first-rate program of character and the highest integrity. His passion on the field is unmatched and his enthusiasm for His involvement with HPU alumni and in the High Point community is incredible. I am delighted to be working with GG and continuing to grow the basketball program.”
Overall, Tubby Smith is 642-370 with stops including Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky and Memphis as well as High Point. He led Kentucky to a national championship in 1998 and sent five schools to the NCAA, most recently Texas Tech in 2016.
