High Point University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tubby Smith announced today that he is stepping down as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at High Point University for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. His son and current associate head coach G.G. Smith will take over as the Head Coach for the remainder of the 2021-22 and the 2022-2023 season.
Smith felt that after contracting COVID 19 for a second time, in less than a year and having been away from the Program for an extended period, that the timing was right for this change. He will continue his involvement at HPU through the end of the year assisting with alumni and community engagement, as well as, fundraising for athletics and other university priorities.
Coach Tubby Smith: “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. I’m thrilled that G.G. will be taking over as head coach. He will do a super job. Moving forward Donna and I will continue the work we have done for over two decades to support and assist the University as proud alums of HPU. HPU will always have a very special place in our hearts as we met and fell in love here at High Point. Our commitment and passion for HPU will never wane and we intend to continue be an integral part of its growth and prosperity well into the future.
I always tell kids about the importance of getting an education, and that is what I got from High Point University – an education on how to make decisions, how to live and conduct myself, and how to help others,” says Tubby Smith. “
High Point University President Dr. Nido Qubein: “Tubby Smith is a champion, and High Point University continues to appreciate his contributions to our campus and community,” says HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein. “As a coach, Tubby has impacted the game of basketball in measurable and meaningful ways. Tubby and his wife Donna have also created a legacy of leadership and service along their entire journey, and we are happy that will continue to grow right here at HPU. We are also excited for G.G. in his new role as the men’s head coach.”
About Tubby Smith
Smith came to High Point College as a student in 1969. Soon after, Smith found his place on the men’s basketball team and earned the reputation of a hard worker and natural leader.
Smith captained the basketball team and earned all-conference honors as a senior before graduating from HPU in 1973. The Maryland native also met his wife, Donna, while they were both students on campus. The couple married after college and are proud parents to their four children.
Smith went on to lead an illustrious coaching career. Before becoming head coach at High Point University, he served in the same role at six other institutions – Memphis, Texas Tech, Minnesota, Kentucky, Georgia, and Tulsa. At Kentucky, he led the Wildcats to the 1998 NCAA championship title. Prior to the HPU vs. Kentucky game on December 31, 2021, the Wildcats honored Tubby Smith with a banner in the rafters of Rupp Arena joining Adolf Rupp, Joe B. Hall, and Rick Pitino.
Smith is one of only three head coaches to take five different schools to the NCAA Tournament and has been recognized with the John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award.
Smith remained connected to HPU throughout the years, and their family has enjoyed being part of the growth and transformation taking place at HPU.
In the spring of 2018, High Point University announced that Orlando “Tubby” Smith would return HPU, to lead the men’s basketball program. On that same day, the university announced that the university would build a new arena and conference center, and the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name it the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. The $170 million Qubein Center officially opened on September 24, 2021.
He went on to lead the HPU men’s basketball team for four seasons, with his son, G.G., serving as associate head coach by his side.
Smith has also been honored at HPU many times, including being inducted into the HPU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2011, the university held “Tubby Smith Night” in honor of his career and the first time the university hosted an ACC opponent – Wake Forest University – in men’s basketball.
Tubby and Donna Smith Court
In 2016, when Smith was head men’s basketball coach at the University of Memphis, Tubby and Donna gave $1 million to support HPU’s new Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center. The arena became the home of HPU’s men’s and women’s basketball programs when it opened in fall 2021, and the basketball court is named in honor of the Smiths. The court was dedicated, and the Smiths were honored with a ceremony during the first men’s basketball game in the Qubein Center in November 2021.
Athletic Director and Vice President Dan Hauser: “Tubby Smith is a Hall of Fame head coach and HPU has been fortunate to have his leadership of our men’s basketball program. From day one with the Panthers, Coach Smith established a first-class program of the utmost character and integrity. His passion on the court was unmatched and his enthusiasm to engage with HPU alumni and in the High Point community was amazing to experience. I’m excited to work with G.G. and continue the growth of the basketball program.”
Tubby Smith steps down at High Point; G.G. Smith takes over
