Reports of Tubby Smith sightings in Lexington

Adding to the excitement around tonight’s game, there are reports of Tubby Smith sightings in Lexington. KSR’s own Matt Jones posted, “Tubby Smith was seen by multiple people at Bluegrass Airport today,” as Big Blue Nation counts down to the most-anticipated game in Rupp Arena… ever?

Tubby was seen by multiple people at Bluegrass Airport today

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) February 1, 2025

There is not yet any photo evidence of Tubby in the Bluegrass, but Matt’s text machine was buzzing on Saturday with reported sightings. If Smith is indeed in town, there is no better choice for “The Y” at tonight’s game between Mark Pope and John Calipari.

Who knows, maybe we could see Rick Pitino, too? Pitino’s St John’s team already played at noon today, leaving plenty of time to get to Lexington.

Tubby was honored in 2021

Tubby Smith made his return to Rupp Arena in 2021 when John Calipari’s Kentucky Wildcats hosted Smith’s High Point. The game included a celebration of Smith, whose jersey was retired in the Rupp Arena rafters before tip-off. However, Smith was too busy during the game to step in as “The Y,” so he still hasn’t had the opportunity for that moment since retirement. Recently, Smith attended one of Mark Pope’s practices in Lexington.

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – DECEMBER 31: Tubby Smith the former head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats and present head coach of the High Point Panthers had a jersey retired in his honor before the game at Rupp Arena on December 31, 2021 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Tubby Smith coached at Kentucky until 2007. (Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio)

Andy Lyons | Getty Images

Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Photo by Aaron Perkins | Kentucky Sports Radio

Photo by Aaron Perkins by Kentucky Sports Radio

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