Tubby Smith’s name now has a permanent spot up in the rafters of Rupp Arena. Minutes before tip-off, the veteran head coach had a jersey retired in his honor, making him the 44th person to have a jersey hanging in the rafters.
Smith joins Adolph Rupp, Joe B. Hall and Rick Pitino as Kentucky head coaches to earn the prestigious honor.
The afternoon started with a loud roar and standing ovation from the Rupp Arena crowd as he made his way to the floor for the first time.
Then came the pregame ceremony, which consisted of dozens of Smith’s former players joining him on the floor to watch the unveiling.