Tubby Smith offers scholarship to Kentucky standout

[ImForKy]

Former University of Kentucky basketball coach Tubby Smith is tapping into his Bluegrass roots as he tries to turn around the Minnesota program.


Smith offered a scholarship to Aaron Cosby, a 6-foot-3 junior shooting guard from Jeffersontown on Tuesday night, according to Cosby's father, George.

http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/488982.html

[billoliver40]

For all the problems OTS seem to have by the time he left Kentucky, I really believe his particular playing style will eventually work in the Big-10.
Especially with the problems Indiana and Illinois seem to be having.

With the situations at most of the member schools as they are, I can
see Minnesota making a move into the top 3 of that conference behind
OSU and Michigan State.

Now as I go to take my medicine, I will quietly await the giggling and
screaming about the previous statement......:icon_biggrin:


ps.....yes, I am happy if Tubby does well at Minnesota. I hope he has a long, illustrious career there and retires happily to a home he purchases in
Kentucky.....after his coaching days are over.

[Will Lavender]

I think Tubby's got a (much) better staff at Minnesota than he had here.

Still, that wasn't the entire problem. Tubby himself got a crack at a lot of those guys we were losing.

[westtncat]

Part of me hopes he does well. I guess as a human being I dont wish anything bad on him but part of me could care less. Either way its gonna stir more debate here which I wish wasnt the case. If he does well some will say how crappy we were for letting him go and vice versa. I honestly believe Tubby can have some success there. Hes actually a very good coach just a crap recruiter. I still say if he had someone to do that part of the job for him..he would be a huge success.

[Forrest4Three]

For all the problems OTS seem to have by the time he left Kentucky, I really believe his particular playing style will eventually work in the Big-10.
Especially with the problems Indiana and Illinois seem to be having.

With the situations at most of the member schools as they are, I can
see Minnesota making a move into the top 3 of that conference behind
OSU and Michigan State.

Now as I go to take my medicine, I will quietly await the giggling and
screaming about the previous statement......:icon_biggrin:


ps.....yes, I am happy if Tubby does well at Minnesota. I hope he has a long, illustrious career there and retires happily to a home he purchases in
Kentucky.....after his coaching days are over.

Top 3?:shock:

Nope.... MSU-OSU-Purdue-ILL-Michgian-Iowa-Wisconsin are all FIRMLY ahead of Minn and will stay that way...most likey... I dont see IU makin a move till 2 or 3 seasons at best.

[KYISSUPREME]

Cosby is a good player, but he might want to take this offer. It may be the best one he gets. And this isn't meant as a slight to Cosby.

[poodoo]

ps.....yes, I am happy if Tubby does well at Minnesota. I hope he has a long, illustrious career there and retires happily to a home he purchases in
Kentucky.....after his coaching days are over.

While I don't really want to get into a discussion of Coach Smith, as my priority is definitely pulling for Coach Gillispie and our Kentucky Wildcats, I certainly agree with what you say here, billoliver40. I liked reading that Coach Smith said he wants to retire back in Kentucky. While the national media was trying hard to get him to make negative comments about Kentucky and us fans, Coach Smith made that comment, among many others of nothing but praise for his experience at Kentucky. Yes, :thumbup::thumbup: to him for that, and best of luck to him (UNLESS he's playing my Wildcats, of course :big_grin:).

[BowlingGreenUKGrad]

Top 3?:shock:

Nope.... MSU-OSU-Purdue-ILL-Michgian-Iowa-Wisconsin are all FIRMLY ahead of Minn and will stay that way...most likey... I dont see IU makin a move till 2 or 3 seasons at best.

What the heck has Michigan done lately to be "FIRMLY" ahead of Minnesota?

[Grub]

What the heck has Michigan done lately to be "FIRMLY" ahead of Minnesota?

..or Illinois? or Iowa?

[Forrest4Three]

Well for one they will beat Minn this year. I know that may break some hearts.. but...:shrug1:

What has Minn done to move into the Top3 in the Big Ten!! LOL

[BowlingGreenUKGrad]

I'm not arguing that Minnesota will move into the top 3 of the Big 10. BUT, it's silly to think that Michigan is "FIRMLY" ahead of Minnesota and will "most likely stay that way."

Last year they went 10-22. They haven't been to the NCAA Tournament since 1998! How do you figure they are so far out ahead of Minnesota that the Gophers can't catch them???

[Mark Blueblood]

What the heck has Michigan done lately to be "FIRMLY" ahead of Minnesota?

Uhhhh....nothing!

Tubby put together a solid recruiting class this year and appears to be doing okay for next. Hey - like it or not - the guy can coach. Give him the horses and he'll play with anybody. Actually, give him the horses and he'll beat anybody. (For those who want to argue that point - see 1998.)

I wish him well.

[Dawood Khan]

Yep, he sure did coach Pitinos players. Didn't he. Too bad, he never did it with the ones he recruited. lol

[Forrest4Three]

Uhhhh....nothing!

Tubby put together a solid recruiting class this year and appears to be doing okay for next. Hey - like it or not - the guy can coach. Give him the horses and he'll play with anybody. Actually, give him the horses and he'll beat anybody. (For those who want to argue that point - see 1998.)

I wish him well.

:icon_rolleyes: Give him the horses and he will beat anybody huh... Wow...
Not goin to touch that one

His OOC is so full of cupcakes he must have a cavity or two.

This year is worse than last season. He plays UofL and Colorado St.. that is it. So by the time Big 10 time rolls around he will keep above 500. Not too dumb... but has nothing to do with his coaching.

[Forrest4Three]

I'm not arguing that Minnesota will move into the top 3 of the Big 10. BUT, it's silly to think that Michigan is "FIRMLY" ahead of Minnesota and will "most likely stay that way."

Last year they went 10-22. They haven't been to the NCAA Tournament since 1998! How do you figure they are so far out ahead of Minnesota that the Gophers can't catch them???


What about the other teams I posted?

Wisconsin... Iowa?? Surely you dont think they are ahead of the mighty gophers.:eek:

[Will Lavender]

What about the other teams I posted?

Wisconsin... Iowa?? Surely you dont think they are ahead of the mighty gophers.:eek:

FWIW, Minnesota beat Iowa in their only match-up last year.

I really don't care one way or another. I'm a Kentucky fan. If Minnesota lost every game by 40 points I couldn't give a flip. But I actually think UM has an outside shot at being maybe not top 3, but probably top 4 or 5 in that league this season. They're not going to jump Wisconsin or Michigan State or Purdue, but outside of that it's really a wide open league. We're not talking a murderer's row over there or anything.

I know a lot of folks would be more pleased than anything to see Tubby Smith fail because it would validate their entrenched opinions they've held about the man for about a decade, but I think he'll have success at Minnesota. If he replicates what he did at Kentucky, they'll be ecstatic--and I guess that was Tubby's problem. He's a good enough strategist to win a lot of games, but I don't see him ever building a national powerhouse or anything like that.

[Dawood Khan]

A good post Will Lavender.

[Dawood Khan]

:icon_rolleyes: Give him the horses and he will beat anybody huh... Wow...
Not goin to touch that one.

lol It's as if he was asking for the Pitino reply.

[billoliver40]

FWIW, Minnesota beat Iowa in their only match-up last year.


I know a lot of folks would be more pleased than anything to see Tubby Smith fail because it would validate their entrenched opinions they've held about the man for about a decade, but I think he'll have success at Minnesota. If he replicates what he did at Kentucky, they'll be ecstatic--and I guess that was Tubby's problem. He's a good enough strategist to win a lot of games, but I don't see him ever building a national powerhouse or anything like that.


In a strange way, Tubby is in an enviable situation. He has a NT under his
belt, he coaches at a place that just wants a clean program (and heaven
knows, Minnesota for some reason has had a couple of REALLY nasty go
rounds) that competes and fills the time between BIG 10 football seasons.
He's getting paid nearly the same as he was at Kentucky without the
pressure cooker atmosphere. He can just enjoy the part of the game he
seems to like most...the X's and O's. I don't think the conference he's in
has a coach other than Izzo that can keep up with him in that end. They all might out-recruit him, but not out coach him.

And yep....just for a side bet and a few laughs (more than likely at my
expense, but that's ok) I'll stick by my prediction that Minnesota will
challenge for the top 3 slots in the conference.

Hey....everybody has to have a chuckle now and then.

[TrueblueCATfan]

Uhhhh....nothing!

Tubby put together a solid recruiting class this year and appears to be doing okay for next. Hey - like it or not - the guy can coach. Give him the horses and he'll play with anybody. Actually, give him the horses and he'll beat anybody. (For those who want to argue that point - see 1998.)

I wish him well.

I will second that Mark:thumbup: I wish him nothing but the best

[TrueblueCATfan]

FWIW, Minnesota beat Iowa in their only match-up last year.

I really don't care one way or another. I'm a Kentucky fan. If Minnesota lost every game by 40 points I couldn't give a flip. But I actually think UM has an outside shot at being maybe not top 3, but probably top 4 or 5 in that league this season. They're not going to jump Wisconsin or Michigan State or Purdue, but outside of that it's really a wide open league. We're not talking a murderer's row over there or anything.

I know a lot of folks would be more pleased than anything to see Tubby Smith fail because it would validate their entrenched opinions they've held about the man for about a decade, but I think he'll have success at Minnesota. If he replicates what he did at Kentucky, they'll be ecstatic--and I guess that was Tubby's problem. He's a good enough strategist to win a lot of games, but I don't see him ever building a national powerhouse or anything like that.

nice post Will and you hit it right on..alot of fans on here would love to see him fail...won't happen..he will do well at Minnesota

[Forrest4Three]

Alot of fans would like to still talk about him more than Gillispie too.


I wish his name would be never be brought up again... anywhere.

[Will Lavender]

Alot of fans would like to still talk about him than Gillispie too.

Just the nature of the thing, and it happens on both sides of the Tubby debate. You'd think Tubby strangled some of these guys' dogs. And heck, you couldn't unlatch Rick Pitino's name from Tubby Smith's with a stick of dynamite and a pickaxe; Tubby's entire tenure was discussed and analyzed and contextualized through the prism of Rick Pitino.

It's only natural that Tubby is going to be discussed. He's only been gone a year. Once Gillispie gets his own guys and we start winning (which we will), Tubby will be forgotten.

[Will Lavender]

Also, Tubby was obviously a completely divisive figure. He was the Adam Dunn of college basketball coaches.

The debate lingers because the debate isn't over. Maybe it should be, but it isn't. It's unwinnable on both sides. Tubby had such startling positives and such obvious negatives that we could go on forever and not get to the bottom of whether he was Good or Bad or Just Okay during his tenure in Lexington.

I don't care what anyone says: it's interesting to discuss even though people get heated when his name is brought up. Such blindingly complicated debates are always sort of fun to get into, even if they make your blood pressure skyrocket and cause you to jerk your hair out in clumps sometimes.

[RaleighCat]

It's unwinnable on both sides. Tubby had such startling positives and such obvious negatives that we could go on forever and not get to the bottom of whether he was Good or Bad or Just Okay during his tenure in Lexington.

Actually, Will, it's fairly easy. As of now OTS can simply be measured by his record at UK. We'll see the '98 NC and a couple more Elite Eights. We won't see any Final Fours or Lottery Picks.
In simple terms- in the cold reality of statistics- Tubby Smith will fit behind Rupp, Pitino and Hall in the UK coaching pecking order- ahead of only Sutton. National Titles, Final Fours, Elite Eights, SEC Dominance, Talent- in those bare stats we know where Tubby stands.

Where BCG fits is yet to be determined obviously. He'll be judged in the same way when it's time. Opinions come and go about Kentucky coaches but facts and stats are what last forever.

[Will Lavender]

Actually, Will, it's fairly easy. As of now OTS can simply be measured by his record at UK. We'll see the '98 NC and a couple more Elite Eights. We won't see any Final Fours or Lottery Picks.
In simple terms- in the cold reality of statistics- Tubby Smith will fit behind Rupp, Pitino and Hall in the UK coaching pecking order- ahead of only Sutton. National Titles, Final Fours, Elite Eights, SEC Dominance, Talent- in those bare stats we know where Tubby stands.

Where BCG fits is yet to be determined obviously. He'll be judged in the same way when it's time. Opinions come and go about Kentucky coaches but facts and stats are what last forever.

But that's not the debate people get into. That particular debate is uninteresting and sort of a waste of time; it's like reading about American Presidents in Chapter 11 of your history textbook. Most folks readily agree that Kentucky has had some pretty good coaches. And most would agree that Hall and Tubby are pretty close; that's evidenced by the fact that there was a Joe B. Debate long before there was a Tubby Debate.

No, the interesting argument is the one about when the mediocrity really started, and the one about whether or not the national championship was Tubby's and what it means to his legacy. Those are what people discuss when they discuss Tubby, and they're really complicated questions that really, when you sit back and think about it, don't mean squat. Still, they're interesting to bat around because there are decent points on both sides.

[catspress]

Hope tubby has fun coachin in the Cold because that where he needs to be.:tongue3:

[MakeItEight]

Hope tubby has fun coachin in the Cold because that where he needs to be.:tongue3:
Hey, I go to school up here in Minnesota (although not to UofM) and I have to say that it is nice to have a real winter with real snow instead of slush, ice, and cold rain.

I wish Tubby well. He coached our program to a national title and three elite eights. I will not dive into debating whether that was enough for a University of Kentucky coach, but if he felt he could no longer endure the pressure at the University of Kentucky, I can't blame him and, in fact, respect him for passing the torch to coach Gillispie, who felt capable of leading this program to the level expected of him.

I can understand those that feel apathetic to how Tubby's career progresses elsewhere. However, I don't know why anyone would wish him badly, except if they have excess pride invested in some past opinions, characterizing Tubby as a less than great coach.

[BigblueDrew]

Smith will be successful at Minn. He will not build them into a National Power for the same reason he couldn't keep us as one, recruiting. If he couldn't get the kids here to take him to a Final four here , he certainly will not there. However who cares, it's Minnesota basketball, WHEN did a UK fan ever care about them.

[catspress]

I think tubby was a good man and cared for the kids, He should have known when he took the job that it was demanding ,not take off and leave and coach in the olympics or goodwill games so your team goes to hell in a hand basket,not fail to recruit good in state players and all-americans who can make good runs in the tournment, not let your son play pg when he couldnt start at morehead state, not play a 2-3 zone against UT when there 2nd in the nation at 3 point % don't get out recruited when your on top. He choked at Ga and did the same thing here,Rick P set him up and he threw it away, a second grader could have coached the 98 team to the title. I'm glad that he has found a good place to coach and maybe he can take that program to a national title but I dont't see it:icon_rolleyes:

[BowlingGreenUKGrad]

What about the other teams I posted?

Wisconsin... Iowa?? Surely you dont think they are ahead of the mighty gophers.:eek:

I never commented on the other teams you mentioned. I only commented on Michigan, because I think you got a little carried away in your listing of teams that are firmly ahead of Minnesota. In the past 10 years, Michigan has been at best average and at worst very bad. UM has not had one good season. So there's no way you can make the argument that they are "firmly ahead of Minnesota and likely to stay that way." Correct?

Now, there's no way to argue against the fact that Wisconsin, Michigan State and Purdue are firmly ahead of Minnesota right now. They just are, that's a fact.

Iowa and Illinois? I think arguments can be made, but it's not clear cut. Iowa was pretty sorry last year, going just 6-12 in the Big 10 - with a loss to Minnesota as Will pointed out. And Illinois has gotten progressively worse every year since Bill Self left for Kansas. Last year they went 5-13 to finish 9th in the Big 10 - yes, that put them behind Minnesota. If Illinois continues on that path, Minnesota will likely stay ahead of them this year as well.

[Matt Dillon]

However who cares, it's Minnesota basketball, WHEN did a UK fan ever care about them.

Since Tubby took over as HC.

[Bombastic Blue]

Welcome back, my friends, to the "thread" that never ends! We're so glad you could attend. Come inside, come inside.

[RaleighCat]

Welcome back, my friends, to the "thread" that never ends! We're so glad you could attend. Come inside, come inside.

That's hilarious. Good one, Bombastic.

[Adolph Rollingover]

Uhhhh....nothing!

Tubby put together a solid recruiting class this year and appears to be doing okay for next. Hey - like it or not - the guy can coach. Give him the horses and he'll play with anybody. Actually, give him the horses and he'll beat anybody. (For those who want to argue that point - see 1998.)

I wish him well.
:thumbup:

[Forrest4Three]

Hey, I go to school up here in Minnesota (although not to UofM) and I have to say that it is nice to have a real winter with real snow instead of slush, ice, and cold rain.

I wish Tubby well. He coached our program to a national title and three elite eights. I will not dive into debating whether that was enough for a University of Kentucky coach, but if he felt he could no longer endure the pressure at the University of Kentucky, I can't blame him and, in fact, respect him for passing the torch to coach Gillispie, who felt capable of leading this program to the level expected of him.

I can understand those that feel apathetic to how Tubby's career progresses elsewhere. However, I don't know why anyone would wish him badly, except if they have excess pride invested in some past opinions, characterizing Tubby as a less than great coach.


Pass the torch to Gillispie?:icon_rolleyes:

Ha, you sure that is the way you would word it?:cool:

[MakeItEight]

Pass the torch to Gillispie?:icon_rolleyes:

Ha, you sure that is the way you would word it?:cool:
I suppose he didn't "pass the torch" as I said, but nonetheless I respect the fact that he left, since he felt he could no longer endure the pressure and if he feels that way he should have given up his coaching spot as he did.

He should have known when he took the job that it was demanding ,not take off and leave and coach in the olympics or goodwill games
I don't know about you, but if Billy Gillispie was offered an opportunity to coach in the olympics, I would definitely hope he would take it. I am a huge UK basketball fan, but I think our national team, especially during an olympic year, trumps the importance of UK basketball. I don't think you can blame the man for wanting to coach the top team in the world on a global stage. I think he, as well as each one of us, owes more to our country than the UK basketball program, regardless is they paid you several million bucks.

[BowlingGreenUKGrad]

Top 3?:shock:

Nope.... MSU-OSU-Purdue-ILL-Michgian-Iowa-Wisconsin are all FIRMLY ahead of Minn and will stay that way...most likey... I dont see IU makin a move till 2 or 3 seasons at best.

I never commented on the other teams you mentioned. I only commented on Michigan, because I think you got a little carried away in your listing of teams that are firmly ahead of Minnesota. In the past 10 years, Michigan has been at best average and at worst very bad. UM has not had one good season. So there's no way you can make the argument that they are "firmly ahead of Minnesota and likely to stay that way." Correct?

Now, there's no way to argue against the fact that Wisconsin, Michigan State and Purdue are firmly ahead of Minnesota right now. They just are, that's a fact.

Iowa and Illinois? I think arguments can be made, but it's not clear cut. Iowa was pretty sorry last year, going just 6-12 in the Big 10 - with a loss to Minnesota as Will pointed out. And Illinois has gotten progressively worse every year since Bill Self left for Kansas. Last year they went 5-13 to finish 9th in the Big 10 - yes, that put them behind Minnesota. If Illinois continues on that path, Minnesota will likely stay ahead of them this year as well.

So how about it, Forrest4Three?

Let's hear you tell me why I'm wrong in my assertion that Michigan, Iowa and Illinois are not "FIRMLY" ahead of Minnesota and likely to stay that way.

[Forrest4Three]

HA... oh gawd..


Michigan might NOT be ahead of them right now. Maybe even..

Iowa and Ill are toss ups. Could go either way.

But Minn is not in the Top 3 and will never be in the Top 3 not with OSU and Wisc... and MSU. Purdue is very solid as well.

This is all I have to say about this. Wait till the season starts and see.:icon_rolleyes:

I hope BlowlingGreenGrad you have your Gopher gear ready to go this season!!!ha:thumbdn:

[lribookend]

I don't know about you, but if Billy Gillispie was offered an opportunity to coach in the olympics, I would definitely hope he would take it. I am a huge UK basketball fan, but I think our national team, especially during an olympic year, trumps the importance of UK basketball. I don't think you can blame the man for wanting to coach the top team in the world on a global stage. I think he, as well as each one of us, owes more to our country than the UK basketball program, regardless is they paid you several million bucks.[/quote]
__________________________________________________ ____________

Coaching the USA Olympic team is an honor that most coaches would jump at. It is not abandoning one's college team, it is gaining incredible exposure for the coach and university, and can only help in recruiting. I agree, if Billy G. is offered the opportunity in future years, I hope he will accept it. Coaches cannot be present during informal summer "practices" anyway, so how does it hurt the team? Recruiting is a year round activity that all the coaches participate in. And as I said earlier, the exposure should actually HELP recruiting in the long run.

[KYISSUPREME]

Aaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! !!!!!! Not again!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cnice11]

I think Tubby was still a great coach when he left here, he just couldnt get the great recruits. He did get a few great ones, but he went for guys just under all american status. Dont get me wrong guys like fitch, blevins, etc. played pretty well for us but they just werent all american caliber.

[Dawood Khan]

Fitch. Yeah.

Blevins. No. But that was a Pitino recruit. Can't blame Tubby for that.

[poodoo]

I can understand those that feel apathetic to how Tubby's career progresses elsewhere. However, I don't know why anyone would wish him badly, except if they have excess pride invested in some past opinions, characterizing Tubby as a less than great coach.

Well-said, MakeIttEight. :shrug1:

Personally, I had not even been reading the thread and had just opened it since it was THREE pages long. :big_grin: Anyway, something did "hit" me as I was reading this thread. Some UK fans seriously take credit away from Coach Smith in regard to the '98 championship because of the roster's mostly being Pitino's players, while others enjoy joking around in that regard. Anyway, I listened to Cameron Mills speak passionately about the subject one night. He discussed how upsetting UK fas' not giving Tubby credit for that championship was to ALL the players on that '98 team. The former Cat, who certainly was most emotional as he discussed that particular topic, and, FWIW, I'll never forget Mills' speaking of the hurt the former players felt about that.

For me, by the way, if Coach Gillispie had led the Cats to the national championship last season, I surely would have given him all the credit in the world. Most of all, GOOD LUCK to Coach Gillispie THIS season. That is what matters to me. Meanwhile, yes, personally, as long as we don't meet Minnesota, I wish the Gophers and their coach the best of luck, especially since Coach Smith has had NOTHING but POSITIVES to say about Kentucky and Kentucky fans, even though he has been "baited" by the media. To each his own, of course. :) GO CATS! GO COACH G!

[poodoo]

Welcome back, my friends, to the "thread" that never ends! We're so glad you could attend. Come inside, come inside.

PRICELESS, Bombastic Blue. :icon_lol: I LOVE it! :icon_mrgreen:

GO CATS! GO COACH G!