Former Texas Tech and Kentucky coach Tubby Smith has been selected for induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, joining a distinguished class that will be celebrated in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 22, 2026.
A Hall of Fame Class Marked by Legacy
Smith’s three‑year stint at Texas Tech from 2013 to 2015 culminated in the Red Raiders’ first NCAA tournament appearance in nine seasons, a feat that highlighted his ability to revitalize programs. His coaching journey, however, stretches back more than three decades and includes stints at seven Division I institutions, beginning with a championship‑winning debut at Kentucky in 1998.
At Kentucky, Smith guided the Wildcats to the 1998 national title in his very first season, setting a tone of immediate impact. He later returned to the national stage by leading five different programs to the tournament, compiling nearly 650 career victories, including 46 wins at Texas Tech.
The 2026 induction class also honors longtime coaches Jay Wright, Ted Owens, Danny Ainge, Glen Rice and Walt Hazzard, as well as the late Bob Knight, who coached Texas Tech from 2001 to 2008 and left a 138‑82 record. Their collective contributions span the breadth of college basketball’s strategic and cultural evolution.
Selection of the Hall of Fame’s annual class is overseen by the Blue Ribbon Selection Committee and administered by the National Association of Basketball Coaches Foundation, ensuring a rigorous and transparent process that has now celebrated 20 classes since its inception.
Kevin Henderson, CEO of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, praised the 2026 cohort for their lasting impact on the sport, noting that their stories continue to inspire players, coaches, and fans worldwide.