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Orlando Henry Tubby Smith is an American college basketball coach who last coached the men's basketball team at High Point University, his alma mater. Smith was a student at High Point in 1969 and became captain of the basketball team before graduating in 1973. He was officially named head coach at High Point University on March 27, 2018. On February 16, 2022, Smith announced that he was stepping down as basketball coach at High Point for the rest of the 2021-22 season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date Tubby Smith left High Point basketball | 16 February 2022 |
| Day of the week he stepped down | Wednesday |
| Who took over as coach | His son, G.G. Smith |
| Season he stepped down | 2021-22 season |
| Reason for stepping down | Contracting COVID-19 for a second time in less than a year |
| Age when he stepped down | 70 |
| Wins | 642 |
| Alma mater | High Point University |
| Coaching career length | 31 years |
| Number of winning seasons | 26 |
| Number of NCAA Tournament appearances | 18 |
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What You'll Learn
Tubby Smith's career as a basketball player at High Point
Orlando Henry "Tubby" Smith, born on June 30, 1951, in Scotland, Maryland, is an American college basketball coach. Smith played basketball at High Point College (now High Point University), his alma mater, from 1973 until his graduation in 1973. He played under three head coaches at High Point, including future boss J. D. Barnett. He lettered four times and was an all-conference performer as a senior. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education while at High Point, and also met his future wife, Donna, who was the homecoming queen.
Smith began his coaching career in 1973, spending four years at his high school alma mater, Great Mills High School in Great Mills, Maryland, compiling a 46–36 record. He then served as an assistant coach at Virginia Commonwealth University under his former High Point coach J. D. Barnett from 1979 to 1986, where he learned the principles of the ball-line defense. During his time at VCU, the team amassed a 144–64 record and won three Sun Belt Conference Championships.
Smith was officially named head coach of High Point University on March 27, 2018. He and his wife, Donna, are active donors at HPU, contributing $1 million to the building of a new basketball arena and conference center. On February 16, 2022, Smith stepped down as head coach and was succeeded by his son, G. G. Smith. Smith's career as a basketball player and coach at High Point University has left a lasting impact, with the university naming the basketball court in his and his wife's honor.
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Smith's coaching career at High Point
Orlando Henry "Tubby" Smith, born on June 30, 1951, in Scotland, Maryland, is an American college basketball coach. Smith enrolled at High Point College (now High Point University), his alma mater, in 1969 and graduated in 1973. During his time as a student, he joined the basketball team and served as team captain in his senior year.
Smith was officially named head coach at High Point University on March 27, 2018. During his time at High Point, he had a 45-68 record in three and a half seasons and a 642-370 career record. He also actively contributed to his alma mater by donating $1 million, along with his wife, Donna, for the construction of a new basketball arena and conference center.
On February 16, 2022, Smith stepped down as head coach of the High Point University men's basketball team, citing his second bout of COVID-19 in less than a year as a reason for his decision. He passed on the reins to his son, G.G. Smith, who played for him at the University of Georgia and had been serving as an associate head coach. Smith expressed gratitude for his career, stating, "I feel blessed to have had an amazing career leading, coaching, and teaching great young men at first-class institutions."
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Smith's resignation from High Point
Orlando Henry "Tubby" Smith, the head basketball coach at High Point University, announced his resignation on February 16, 2022. Smith, 70, decided to step down for the remainder of the 2021-22 season, passing the reins to his son and associate head coach, G.G. Smith.
Smith's decision came after contracting COVID-19 for a second time in less than a year and being away from his team for an extended period. In a school news release, Smith expressed his gratitude for a blessed career, stating:
> "I feel blessed to have had an amazing career leading, coaching and teaching great young men at first-class institutions. Working at my alma mater during this stage of my career has been a dream."
Smith's resignation marked the end of a historic college basketball coaching career. He had previously served as a head coach at the University of Tulsa, the University of Georgia, the University of Kentucky, the University of Minnesota, Texas Tech University, and the University of Memphis. With Kentucky, he notably coached the Wildcats to the 1998 NCAA championship, achieving a 263-83 record during his tenure.
Smith's impact extended beyond the basketball court. He and his wife, Donna, actively contributed to their community, including a $1 million donation to High Point University for a new basketball arena and conference center. Smith's intensity and glare were renowned, and he will be remembered for his defence-oriented style of play, coined "Tubbyball".
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Smith's legacy at High Point
On February 16, 2022, Tubby Smith, the legendary college basketball coach, announced he was stepping down as head basketball coach at High Point University, his alma mater. Smith's legacy at High Point is defined by his impact on the game, his commitment to the community, and his overall success as a coach.
Smith first came to High Point as a student in 1969 and became captain of the basketball team, graduating in 1973. He returned to High Point as a head coach in 2018, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous coaching roles at various universities, including Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas Tech, and Memphis.
Smith's coaching style, known as "Tubbyball," emphasized a defense-oriented, slower style of play. While this approach received mixed reviews from fans, it undoubtedly contributed to his success. In his 31 years as a head coach, Smith achieved 26 winning seasons, a testament to his ability to lead and strategize.
Smith's impact extended beyond the basketball court. He was described as a "father figure" by one of his former players, Wayne Turner, who credited Smith with changing his perspective on life. Smith's intensity and glare were renowned, but he also demonstrated care and consideration, as evidenced by his apology to a student reporter during a press conference.
Smith's overall success as a coach is undeniable. He led Kentucky to the 1998 NCAA championship and was named SEC Coach of the Year that season. In total, he made 18 NCAA Tournament appearances as a coach, a remarkable achievement.
In conclusion, Tubby Smith's legacy at High Point University is defined by his impact on the basketball program, his dedication to the community, and his overall success as a coach. His influence will continue to be felt at High Point and beyond.
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Smith's family and personal life
Orlando Henry "Tubby" Smith was born on June 30, 1951, in Scotland, Maryland, in Saint Mary's County. He is one of 17 children born to sharecroppers Guffrie and Parthenia Smith. Smith earned his nickname "Tubby" from his family because he was fond of staying in the galvanized washtub where the children were bathed.
Smith met his wife, Donna, while at High Point College (now High Point University). Donna was the homecoming queen. Together, they have three sons: Saul, Orlando, and Brian, and a daughter, whose name is not mentioned. Their son, Saul, is the director of video production for the Texas Tech men's basketball team, and Orlando (G.G.) Smith is the head coach at Loyola University in Maryland and is married to Lorie. G.G. and Lorie have a daughter, Jayna Marie, and a son, Ross.
Smith has kept his personal life private and not much is known about his family life. However, it is known that Smith and his family moved around a lot when his children were young, as he accepted different coaching jobs. Smith's family moved to North Carolina, Virginia Commonwealth, South Carolina, Lexington, and Tulsa. Smith's son, G.G., has spoken about his enjoyment of travelling around and living in different places.
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Frequently asked questions
Tubby Smith announced on February 16, 2022, that he was stepping down as basketball coach at High Point for the rest of the 2021-22 season.
Smith had a 45-68 record in three and a half seasons at High Point and a 642-370 career record.
Smith's son, G.G. Smith, replaced him as head coach at High Point.
Smith decided to step away from coaching after contracting COVID-19 for a second time in less than a year and being away from his team for an extended period.
