Anyone hear the Tubby Smith call in show

[fanaticfan]

I had to be away from home this evening and was able to catch the last 10 minutes only. I was wondering if anyone could fill me in on what was said, especially in references to changes for next year?

[Will Lavender]

I caught the lead-in, but none of the calls.

VERY, very interesting stuff, I thought. Most interesting call-in show I've listened to in quite some time even though I only got to hear 5 minutes.

Here are some highlights:

* Said that the season had been "interesting." Admitted that there had been a lot of distractions this season.

* Tubby says that Rajon will test the waters. Was strange with his answer. Curt, almost. Didn't elaborate on anything like Tubby is prone to do. Just said something to the effect of, "He'll be advised."

* Tubby says that everyone, "from the top down," will be evaluated. Claimed that he was always being evaluated by the media and the administrators, and they were going to do a program-wide evaluation this off-season.

* Mentioned the fact that some things needed to change this off-season. Was very straightforward with his own complicity in this bad season. Said that the coaching staff may have to change some of the things they do. "Like conditioning," he said, "or watching tapes during the summer, or the way we coach and teach."

* Then, the most interesting tidbit:

Tubby was asked about recruiting. Again, he was very curt, almost defensive, with his answer. When Tom asked him if anyone would be signed in the spring, he said, "We're out of scholarships." Very flat; very direct. Then he went on. He said that everybody knew who they were going after (I assume he was talking about Smith and Jones here, and I assume this was a rip at the message board culture), but admitted that they were only going after them "just in case." (This referred to the fact that, as he explained, you never know who you might lose off your team during the summer.) I felt that Tubby didn't want to give too much information. When Leach pressed him, Tubby kept cutting him off. Tubby said, "I have to do what I have to do to protect the program. Everybody thinks...I know what I'm doing. I know what's best for this team. But we're going to do things with integrity. Morally." Then he finished by talking about the pressure outside the program, and he admitted that he was very aware of that pressure.

Interesting discussion, I thought. I couldn't tell if Tubby was taking a shot at boosters (and the media; and fans) who were questioning his recruiting, or if he was insinuating that there was pressure being put on him to cheat.

[Will Lavender]

Let me add:

He never said it (in fact, he said a couple of times that he wasn't going to air the program's "dirty laundry" publicly), but I think a change is coming with an assistant coach or two. Leach pressed him on that point, and even though Tubby never said anything outright I don't think there was any question that he was agreeing while not agreeing with Tom that a change was coming.

[golflender]

the changes coming in the UK BB program will create alot of internet "fodder" no doubt.

[Wildcat_Fan98]

I listened to the show and Will did a great job of summing it up but when tubby was talking about protecting the program, he was talking about kaz and morris leaving last yr..you never know what will happen...we have our guys signed in jasper,meeks,porter,and Stevenson but just in case something does happen..like woo not coming back because of the graduation or someone transfering, that is why Jones, and Smith are there, but Right now I think it will take a week or so to see what is going to happen and let everything settle down, and see who leaves, after the game on sunday, everyone cept rondo came out and said they were coming back, now I dont understand why jones, and Smith would wait and see will happen with us, it is pretty much like we are using them for a rebound if someone does leave, I might be taking this wrong and hopefully someone tells me

[golflender]

it was my understanding that we had offered both Smith and Jones a scholly,,i am really confused now:shock:

[Will Lavender]

golflender wrote: it was my understanding that we had offered both Smith and Jones a scholly,,i am really confused now:shock:
I didn't really take Tubby's answer at face value.

He seemed almost...indignant.

This is just my opinion, but I think Tubby knows everybody's questioning his recruiting, and he's getting a little ticked.

When Leach asked him the question about signing people in the spring, he sort of gave the old "You'd love to know, wouldn't you?" answer.

As we've seen, scholarship issues can be worked out.

[catsno1]

He also said that the game of basketball was changing and the coaching staffand team had to change to keep Kentucky basketball on top. Then he said we would contend for the championship next year.

[TOPCAT]

There are plenty of schollies availably with the new academic rule saying bb players can be put on academic schollies!Plenty of room !

[Wildcat_Fan98]

I have seen on Here from different posts that Some of the players were going to earn a academic scholorship which would open a basketball scholorship but I believe Tubby said there were 3 scholorships on the table right now with Jones, Smith, and Darrell Arthur, but the last I heard since davis was stepping down at indiana Arthur put Kansas as the front runner..

[Wildcat_Fan98]

Nice post Topcat, you were thinking the same thing at the same time I was..

[CurlyCat]

Great report Will, thanks for a good summary.

I just can't decide if I am comforted or worried by Tubby's responses. :?

[Dwight Schrute]

This offseason is definitely going to be one of the more interesting ones in some time. Particularly, the end of the semester is going to be quite interesting. Especially with the "top to bottom" evaluation.

The statement about being out of scholarships seems very guarded to me. In fact, depending on how you look at it, Tubby seemed to contradict himself. If Rondo is going to be "advised" to test the waters (sounds to me like Tubby's pushing him to the door), then we're not really out of scholarships, are we. We'd have one more.

Tubby's obviously being very very vague, and almost coy. An interesting offseason, indeed.

[kipper265]

I think I'm going to be more nervous during this offseason than I was watching the Cats play in the NCAA tourney!

Dwight Schrute wrote: This offseason is definitely going to be one of the more interesting ones in some time. Particularly, the end of the semester is going to be quite interesting. Especially with the "top to bottom" evaluation.

The statement about being out of scholarships seems very guarded to me. In fact, depending on how you look at it, Tubby seemed to contradict himself. If Rondo is going to be "advised" to test the waters (sounds to me like Tubby's pushing him to the door), then we're not really out of scholarships, are we. We'd have one more.

Tubby's obviously being very very vague, and almost coy. An interesting offseason, indeed.

[nocodecub]

Dwight Schrute! Now I know who took the name when I tried to sign up with it...

[poodoo]

FWIW, personally, I didn't think Tubby sounded indignant or defensive. However, I was fixing dinner, so perhaps I just wasn't listening as closely.

In regard to still recruiting, Tubby said there are no scholarships left (at this time). In fact, we are already two over our limit, and all the players (except possibly Rondo) have adamantly said that they are coming back (specifically Woo, Alleyne, Carter, and Williams).

In regard to Rondo, Tubby said that he was advising Rondo to test the waters. He also said that he felt there would be an opportunity there. FWIW on that one, I did not at all feel that he was trying to push Rondo out the door. Tubby has always answered questions honestly with other players in this regard. Rondo, Rondo's mother, andCoach Bibbywill be meeting with Tubby, asking what they think he should do (as I had read in an article on the front page today), and Tubby is prepared to give an honest answer in relation to what is best for the player, as I see it. I said they are going to meet, although they could have alreadymet today.

[Will Lavender]

Dwight Schrute wrote: This offseason is definitely going to be one of the more interesting ones in some time. Particularly, the end of the semester is going to be quite interesting. Especially with the "top to bottom" evaluation.

The statement about being out of scholarships seems very guarded to me. In fact, depending on how you look at it, Tubby seemed to contradict himself. If Rondo is going to be "advised" to test the waters (sounds to me like Tubby's pushing him to the door), then we're not really out of scholarships, are we. We'd have one more.

Tubby's obviously being very very vague, and almost coy. An interesting offseason, indeed.

We'd still be one over.

[Los Gatos]

TOPCAT wrote: There are plenty of schollies availably with the new academic rule saying bb players can be put on academic schollies!Plenty of room !

How about a link to a story on this?

[blueblood]

It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.

[trublue4life]

blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.You've got to be kidding. Tubby is just tired of the media and the so-called "experts" that frequent call-in shows and internet sites. Trust me when I say Tubby is as secure in his job as any coach in America. Evaluating a program after the season is standard operating procedure. Granted, this year the evaluation will take on a more serious tone by Tubby's own admission, but the only hot water he's in would be in the shower.

[I. Melvin]

Agree with trublue.

Just don't do it again.

[ukwebfan]

He could have been like the slickster and spin the negative into a positive.

"I do think that in this light, you probably would not see the development of Brian Johnson or Terrence Farley if this was the NCAA," Pitino said. "But (the NIT) has brought out the development of those guys and has bought us a lot of practice time."

Thank goodness the NIT has the vehicle to allow them more practice-time. Who needs the NCAA tournament anyway?:rolleyes:

More Pitino Spin.com (http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060322/SPT01/603220358/1088/SPT)

[Chunks06]

I dont think Tubby is in hot water at all. Tubby has always been a huge believer in Kentucky basket ball and I think he is just pissed about their performance this year. We havent done great in the tourney for a while but have always had a great season and remained the top team in the SEC and one of the top in the country. After this season, we arent viewed as either at this time and I think he hates it.

I think Tubby is as big of a competitor as we have on the team and i love his attitude right now. I think he feels like they babied to many issues this year and had to many petty issues that shouldnt be there. I blieve he has taken the stance that they play for the UNiversity of Kentucky and it is not the schools privilge to have the players and coaches (himself included) but their privilage to play basketball for a program like Kentcuky and they need to begin showing that pride.

I am pumped about the way he is speaking. I think he thinks they all got a little to comfortable at the top and realizes how quickly it can slip away. I think the Rondo issue is also not devastatign if he leaves and Tubby knows that. Yes, I would love to have him back and it would be a huge boost, but we do have Bradley and some solid freshman PG's coming in. This is not like losing Morris, which would be devastating. I am not saying that Morris is a better player than Rondo but I think his loss would be harder to take (and was momentarily last year) because of the lack of talent we have to back him up. Losing Rondo we lose his quickness, passing ability and defense but Bradley would probably be an improvement on offense and depending on how he steps up, he could be a leader and step up in the strengths taht we lose.

Of course I am just a fan and have never spoke with anyone so I could just be totally wrong and way off on this but I will continue to beleive it just for my own spirit. I am very excited and very nervous about this offseason. If no one leaves and Tubby keeps this attitude going, I beleive we wil be as strong as we have been in quite a while next year and very tough to beat.

[ukwebfan]

Just listened to the show. Frankly, I didn't hear anything to suggest that he's in any trouble or was curt in his discussion with Leach. However some callers and certain media DO seem to get under his skin. Doyel has to be on top of that short list.

Steve Lavin said it best. This man is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. So if this is the worst he's been, this is considerably better than the worst of his predecessors already in the Hall.

blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.

[jdeasy]

ukwebfan wrote: Just listened to the show. Frankly, I didn't hear anything to suggest that he's in any trouble or was curt in his discussion with Leach. However some callers and certain media DO seem to get under his skin. Doyel has to be on top of that short list.

Steve Lavin said it best. This man is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. So if this is the worst he's been, this is considerably better than the worst of his predecessors already in the Hall.

blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.You quote Steve Lavin?? The only way tubby gets intot eh Hall of Fame is to buy a ticket.

[CatScratchFever]

jd&ez wrote:You quote Steve Lavin?? The only way tubby gets intot eh Hall of Fame is to buy a ticket.


A little early to make that prediciton. Tubby is fairly young; another national title & a couple hundred more victories & he is a Hall of Famer.

[ukwebfan]

Not so fast my friend. He's in good company as the facts will state. If he averages 25 wins per year (below his current avg BTW), he will pass 600 wins in 10 more years.

Orlando Tubby Smith
365-133 for a .733 Winning percentage in 15 seasons

241-71 at UK in nine seasons
1 National Championship
5 SEC crowns and 5 SEC Tournament titles
6 Sweet 16 finishes in his nine seasons. 13 consecutive 20-win seasons
28-12 in the NCAA Tournament
19-4 in the SEC Tournament

In 2005, he joined Roy Williams (388) and Jim Boeheim (343) as the third head coach to win 340 games in 14 seasons or less.

He totaled 100 wins quicker than any other Wildcat coach except Hall of Famer Adolph Rupp, reaching the plateau in 130 games.


He has won a league championship seven times in his 15 years as a head coach.












jd&ez wrote:You quote Steve Lavin?? The only way tubby gets intot eh Hall of Fame is to buy a ticket.

[Will Lavender]

blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.
I didn't take it like that.

I think he was trying to make some backhanded jabs at some people, notably internet posters who've always got a rumor or a dig or a slash at him. It wasn't defensive in the sense that he was calling people out, but he clearly wasn't happy.

Also, I think he realizes he's got to get down to business or his job may be on the line. I think he was speaking curtly "toward," possibly, these assistant coaches and players who he has insinuated may not know what the tradition at Kentucky means.

I don't mean this literally, of course.He didn't say, "Scott Rigot, you're going to be evaluated." But he was definitely serious with all of his answers in the short section that I listened to.

[audacious1]

Will Lavender wrote: blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.
I didn't take it like that.

I think he was trying to make some backhanded jabs at some people, notably internet posters who've always got a rumor or a dig or a slash at him. It wasn't defensive in the sense that he was calling people out, but he clearly wasn't happy.

Also, I think he realizes he's got to get down to business or his job may be on the line. I think he was speaking curtly "toward," possibly, these assistant coaches and players who he has insinuated may not know what the tradition at Kentucky means.

I don't mean this literally, of course.He didn't say, "Scott Rigot, you're going to be evaluated." But he was definitely serious with all of his answers in the short section that I listened to.


Do you really think Tubby reads message boards? I'm just asking.

[Will Lavender]

Tre Pryor wrote: Will Lavender wrote: blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.
I didn't take it like that.

I think he was trying to make some backhanded jabs at some people, notably internet posters who've always got a rumor or a dig or a slash at him. It wasn't defensive in the sense that he was calling people out, but he clearly wasn't happy.

Also, I think he realizes he's got to get down to business or his job may be on the line. I think he was speaking curtly "toward," possibly, these assistant coaches and players who he has insinuated may not know what the tradition at Kentucky means.

I don't mean this literally, of course.He didn't say, "Scott Rigot, you're going to be evaluated." But he was definitely serious with all of his answers in the short section that I listened to.


Do you really think Tubby reads message boards? I'm just asking.

No. Probably not.

But he's probably aware of what goes on in here. You don't have to read to be cognizant of the influence of message board posters, especially those who are constantly claiming to be "in."

I'm sure Tubby is informed - daily? monthly? - of what rumors abound about his team, his players, himself. And where do most of those rumors breed and spawn?

On the web, of course.

[catfando]

With Tubby being so vague in his answers and advising Rondo to test the waters, Do you think maybe he is being courted by an NBA team heavily and seriously considering the jump?

[Will Lavender]

catfando wrote: With Tubby being so vague in his answers and advising Rondo to test the waters, Do you think maybe he is being courted by an NBA team heavily and seriously considering the jump?
Anything is possible, but I took his answers to be more passionate than anything else. Frankly, he sounded pissed off. At himself, and at a few other people who he never identified.

[poodoo]

trublue4life wrote: blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.You've got to be kidding. Tubby is just tired of the media and the so-called "experts" that frequent call-in shows and internet sites. Trust me when I say Tubby is as secure in his job as any coach in America. Evaluating a program after the season is standard operating procedure. Granted, this year the evaluation will take on a more serious tone by Tubby's own admission, but the only hot water he's in would be in the shower.


I love it, trublue4life! Exactly! The only "hot water" Tubby is in isindeed the hot water in his ownshower! :ggrin:

[BrassowFan]

poodoo wrote: trublue4life wrote: blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.You've got to be kidding. Tubby is just tired of the media and the so-called "experts" that frequent call-in shows and internet sites. Trust me when I say Tubby is as secure in his job as any coach in America. Evaluating a program after the season is standard operating procedure. Granted, this year the evaluation will take on a more serious tone by Tubby's own admission, but the only hot water he's in would be in the shower.


I love it, trublue4life! Exactly! The only "hot water" Tubby is in isindeed the hot water in his ownshower! :ggrin:

I don't know if I agree, at least not totally.

I do not believe that Tubby is in hot water with MB however I do think that he's lost another segment of the fan base and with that the water is definitely warmer than it was in October. I don't think that he'll leave this year but I've seen die-hard supporters of the man question him in many of the areas that he's so defensive about which tells me that this is much more than the normal "fringe" that have called for his head since day one.

Tubby's not in danger of losing his job however if next year is disappointing then they may as well send Rich Brooks over to the Wildcat Lodge...

[Dwight Schrute]

I don't know if Tubby reads these message boards. Even if he did, I'd be surprised if it was more than a passing glance every now and then out of curiosity.

I do know, that players read them. On more than one occasion, I saw Jared Lorenzen and several football players reading wildcatfaithful.com in the student center at UK. It stands to reason, of course, that our basketball players do the same. There's no doubt in my mind that EVERYONE involved with UK basketball knows what we, the fans, are saying.

[poodoo]

BrassowFan wrote: poodoo wrote: trublue4life wrote: blueblood wrote: It seems to me that with his curtness, vagaries, and hints at coaching changes that he may be in some serious hot water.You've got to be kidding. Tubby is just tired of the media and the so-called "experts" that frequent call-in shows and internet sites. Trust me when I say Tubby is as secure in his job as any coach in America. Evaluating a program after the season is standard operating procedure. Granted, this year the evaluation will take on a more serious tone by Tubby's own admission, but the only hot water he's in would be in the shower.


I love it, trublue4life! Exactly! The only "hot water" Tubby is in isindeed the hot water in his ownshower! :ggrin:

I don't know if I agree, at least not totally.

I do not believe that Tubby is in hot water with MB however I do think that he's lost another segment of the fan base and with that the water is definitely warmer than it was in October. I don't think that he'll leave this year but I've seen die-hard supporters of the man question him in many of the areas that he's so defensive about which tells me that this is much more than the normal "fringe" that have called for his head since day one.

Tubby's not in danger of losing his job however if next year is disappointing then they may as well send Rich Brooks over to the Wildcat Lodge...



BrassowFan, I certainly agree on that. However, the phrase "in hot water" is usually interpreted to mean "in danger," such as in danger of losing one's job. Yes, Tubby has lost more fans this season, for certain.

Too, because of the thirteen losses and the intense criticism, even taking a shower is probably not as comforting to Tubby this season. Let's just hope that shower is much more comforting and relaxingto him next season! :)

[T75]

Will Lavender wrote: Here are some highlights:

* Tubby says that everyone, "from the top down," will be evaluated. Claimed that he was always being evaluated by the media and the administrators, and they were going to do a program-wide evaluation this off-season.

* Mentioned the fact that some things needed to change this off-season. Was very straightforward with his own complicity in this bad season. Said that the coaching staff may have to change some of the things they do. "Like conditioning," he said, "or watching tapes during the summer, or the way we coach and teach."

* Then, the most interesting tidbit:

Tubby was asked about recruiting. Again, he was very curt, almost defensive, with his answer. When Tom asked him if anyone would be signed in the spring, he said, "We're out of scholarships." Very flat; very direct. Then he went on. He said that everybody knew who they were going after (I assume he was talking about Smith and Jones here, and I assume this was a rip at the message board culture), but admitted that they were only going after them "just in case." (This referred to the fact that, as he explained, you never know who you might lose off your team during the summer.) I felt that Tubby didn't want to give too much information. When Leach pressed him, Tubby kept cutting him off. Tubby said, "I have to do what I have to do to protect the program. Everybody thinks...I know what I'm doing. I know what's best for this team. But we're going to do things with integrity. Morally." Then he finished by talking about the pressure outside the program, and he admitted that he was very aware of that pressure.

Interesting discussion, I thought. I couldn't tell if Tubby was taking a shot at boosters (and the media; and fans) who were questioning his recruiting, or if he was insinuating that there was pressure being put on him to cheat.

Tubby's salary puts him up there witih many CEO's of large companies. And at that level they are truly constantly scrutinized and called to task for a single bad quarter, etc. I don't know why Tubby keeps appearing to feellike he's beeing persecuted by avid fans and admin. If Pres Todd and Mitch preside over the demise of UK basketball at the top, they will be long remembered with curses on the breath of UK fans--long after Tubby has been forgotten. Tubby is not the lone ranger in this. And his radio call in shows are milktoast compared to board meetings when things are going downhill for a CEO. I personally think he's not handling the pressure well.

Tubby'scomments about recruiting, sound as though he is privately giving up on any further significant recruits this year. I personally don't expect any real potential for great improvement in personnel until next year's recruiting class. We'll lose 4 players, none of which have proven to be very good to date, so that will give up a fantastic opportunity to upgrade substantially. If Tubby doesn't win some recruiting battles for top 2007 prospects, then I think he might learn what pressure really is.

[ukbob]

There are all kinds of "hot water" situations. IMO, Tubby is feeling the heat from something. Maybe he put himself in his own hot water.

IMO...there is no way Rondo returns and I would be shocked if he does not have an agent in a few weeks. I also think OTS won't mind it one bit. Just an opinion.

As for the comment on the HOF....who knows. It would likely take another Final Four or 2, but he has a real shot. Don't blind yourself with your disgust over a coach you never cared for. He still knows the game as well, if not better than many out there right now. Some may just not like his game.

I see changes coming for sure. However, I just don't think there will be enough changes. Not his style. The recruiting methodology, player management philosophy, Asst coaches roles and participation, strength and conditioning and likely other things seem to need an overhaul. Not sure we will see all that happen. Hope so.

The one thing that bothers me about it all is that it has to happen and it why it takes so long to happen. I love Tubby, but he has more soap operas on his teams than NBC. I, for one, am weary of them. Somehow that has to stop and not for just 2-3 year periods. Mindsets must be adjusted....in players and coaches. Just my opinion.