With Missouri and the SEC season opener in the past, we turn to Kentucky Basketball‘s next opponent on the schedule: the High Point Panthers and head coach Orlando “Tubby” Smith. More than a game, Kentucky will celebrate Smith’s time in Lexington with a ceremonial retiring of Smith’s jersey in Rupp Arena.
The 1998 national champion coach will be the 44th legend commemorated in Rupp’s rafters. Calipari spoke on the day’s significance and Smith’s Kentucky legacy following Wednesday night’s game versus Mizzou.
“We wanted this moment for him,” Calipari said of Friday’s celebration. “The job that he did, part of it is, you want guys like him and Coach Hall to really understand how appreciated they are by our fan base.