Legendary coach Tubby Smith steps down at High Point University, son G.G. to take over

The iconic college coach will hand over the reins to his son, G.G. — the team's associate head coach — for the rest of the 2021-2022 season and the 2022-2023 campaign as well. According to the school's website: 

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.

A graduate of High Point, Smith began his coaching career in 1991 with the University of Tulsa and remained with the Golden Hurricane for four seasons before serving as the head coach for the University of Georgia for two years. Smith's most accomplished days came during his 10-season run with the University of Kentucky from 1997 to 2007. He led the Wildcats to 10 straight NCAA Tournament appearances and a national title in his first season at the helm.

Smith then moved to the Big Ten to coach the University of Minnesota for six seasons, shifted to the Big 12 with Texas Tech for three years and was the leader at the University of Memphis for two years from 2016 to 2018. High Point is currently in its fourth season under 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," Smith said. "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."

Smith took five different programs to the NCAA Tournament and has a career record of 642-370, good for a .634 winning percentage. Among his other accomplishments and accolades are four conference Coach of the Year Awards, an AP Coach of the Year Award, a Naismith Coach of the Year Award and a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics as part of Rudy Tomjanovich's coaching staff.