Tubby Smith “couldn’t be more happy” Friday afternoon following his Rupp Arena homecoming for his High Point Panthers’ game against Kentucky. Smith spoke to the crowd before tip-off as part of his ceremonial jersey-raising into Rupp’s hallowed rafters. After the game, he spoke to reporters about what it meant to be back and how it feels to be the 44th jersey to be retired at Kentucky.
“It’s the No. 1 basketball program in the history of college basketball, so that’s why it’s such a thrill, an honor to be a part of the legacy of Kentucky by having your banner raised in Rupp Arena,” Smith told reporters on the postgame Zoom.