Tubby Smith joins Kentucky for practice at Rupp Arena

Mark Pope continues to bring special guests in for practice at Kentucky — the latest the biggest of them all. We’ve seen the likes of Jack “Goose” Givens, Cameron Mills and Shagari Alleyne in and out of the Joe Craft Center, but how about Tubby Smith?

When the UK Hall of Famer and 2024 SEC Legend is in town, you’ve got to roll out the blue carpet. That’s why the Wildcats hosted Smith inside the building in which his name hangs in the rafters, practicing inside Rupp Arena with the 1998 national championship coach in attendance.

Smith broke down the huddle after practice, as all special guests do for Pope when they’re invited in to watch his first team in action.

“Thanks for stopping by, (Tubby Smith)!” Kentucky shared on social media Friday morning.

Thanks for stopping by @CoachTubbySmith! pic.twitter.com/ooYJF52dEd

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) July 12, 2024

Smith coached at Kentucky for 10 seasons from 1998-2007, guiding the Wildcats to their seventh title in ’98 to go with five SEC regular-season crowns and five SEC Tournament titles. He compiled a record of 263-83 in Lexington en route to National Coach of the Year and SEC Coach of the Year honors three times apiece.

The Kentucky legend is the fourth head coach to be retired to the Rupp Arena rafters, joining Adolph Rup, Joe B. Hall. and Rick Pitino. Broadcaster Cawood Ledford and equipment manager Bill Keightly have also been honored while 39 other players’ jerseys hang in the historic building, as well.

A great place to host a practice with a great man in attendance.

Welcome back, Tubby.