There was some discussion about this earlier

[Classof93]

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/sports/basketball/13978838.htm

UK hears player from 1966 Texas Western team
SHED TALKS OF WILL AND OPPORTUNITY IN GAME AND IN LIFE
By Marc Zarefsky

Earlier in the day, Shed had the opportunity to meet with the UK basketball team and Coach Tubby Smith.

"He talked about proper preparation, not just on the basketball court, but for life," Smith said. "We're going through a tough season this year, but we feel like we're very close to reaching our potential. As he said, the dream is never over.

"We had one of our most spirited practices today," Smith said, adding that he hoped Shed's speech to the team might be a motivating factor for the rest of the season.

Shed said he was touched by getting a chance to talk to the team and to stand on the UK court.

During the speech last night, tears ran down his face as he thanked Smith, the first black coach in UK basketball history, for his accomplishments and for the success he has had.

"Not only do (UK players) have a great coach, but they have a teacher," Shed said. "He wants (his team) to leave here, both academically and athletically sound ... and hopefully

[poodoo]

Thanks for sharing, Classof93. Too, I would have loved to have read that they had had one of their "most spirited" practices after Shed's motivating speech BEFORE the UT game, as I had really been worried about how the guys would respond to the heartbreaking loss after their great effort at LSU. :)

Now, of course, we know how they responded, especially after falling behind by the score 7-21. Too, I really liked how Brandon Stockton had gone to the huddle at that time, expecting the Tubby Stare. Instead, Tubby was kind and encouraging, telling the players to "calm down and HAVE FUN." Kudos to Tubby, for I feel that reaction played a huge role in our getting the important win. :)

[I. Melvin]

The question may really be this:

Is it worth being a Sweet 16-level team to be coached by a class act like Tubby?

Tough call. I don't know what my answer would be ...

Heard CM interviewed while driving through Nashville a couple of days ago. The question was phrased something like, "Kentucky hasn't been to the Final Four in eight years. Do you, Coach Newton, think Tubby will stay?"

CM never addressed the record. He merely defended Tubby saying he would recommend him to leave if the pressure ever changed him.

Could be wrong, but I detect some bitterness in CM directed towards UK.

Anyway, "Tubby as Class Act" stories aren't hard to find and that's a very, very good thing.