Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Orlando "Tubby" Smith, the former Kentucky Wildcats coach, has been selected for the 2026 National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, joining a distinguished group of players and coaches to be honored in October 2026.
The induction ceremony will take place on October 22, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, where Smith will be celebrated alongside fellow inductees Jay Wright, Ted Owens, Danny Ainge, Glen Rice and the late Walt Hazzard.
Smith's tenure at Kentucky was marked by immediate success, guiding the Wildcats to a national championship in his very first season in 1998 and adding six more championship appearances that cemented the program's seventh overall title.
During his ten‑year stint, he compiled a 263‑83 record, led the team to 22 or more victories each year, reached the Elite Eight four times and secured ten NCAA Tournament berths, a testament to his consistent excellence.
Beyond Kentucky, Smith's coaching journey spanned seven programs, producing a career record of 642‑370 and earning him a place among the rare three coaches in NCAA history to lead five different schools to the tournament.
His accolades include the 2003 Naismith College Coach of the Year, multiple Coach of the Year awards from the AP, NABC and USBWA, and the Henry Iba Award, underscoring his impact on the sport.
The Hall of Fame itself, housed at the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and supported by UMB Private Wealth Management, will showcase the class's legacy during the Kansas City celebration, highlighting the enduring influence of these basketball pioneers.