The words popular and coach almost seem like an oxymoron. Not so, though, with Tubby Smith who almost two years into his assignment as Gopher basketball coach is still enjoying a honeymoon of popularity.
An admiring public nods its collective approval at Williams Arena and around town. Students move their arms up and down in mock worship when Smith’s name is announced over the public address system prior to home games. The fans, young and old, respond with enthusiastic applause usually reserved for star players, not coaches.
A friend called last week about a non-basketball subject, then closed his voice mail with this: “That Tubby, he’s really something. Go Gophers!”
The Tubby phenomenon is mostly based on Smith’s prior coaching success at Kentucky (a national title and five conference championships) and the promise of similar results here. It’s also fueled by the contrast between Smith and his failed predecessor Dan Monson who drove interest in the Gophers to lows not seen in about 40 years.
You can throw in another contributing factor. Smith is a quality person who treats others with respect and consideration. Ask the local media how many other coaches conduct their news conferences with such civility? With Tubby you get a cordial “Good Evening,” or “I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.”
Athletic Director Joel Maturi told KFAN’s Dan Barreiro last week that he considers Smith one of the “top five” coaches in the country. He hopes other schools will pursue Smith because that means the Gophers are having success. He guesses that Smith likes it here so well he won’t leave.
None of this is to predict that Smith’s honeymoon will continue indefinitely. The popularity factor is predicated on team improvement, making the NCAA tournament and eventually winning championships.
Coaching with players Monson had recruited, the Gophers were 20-14 overall, 6-10 in the Big Ten Conference last season. A sixth place finish in the conference bettered the ninth and 10th place finishes of previous seasons. This year’s team, with several Smith newcomers, is better (17-3 overall, ranked No. 24 in the country with a home game against Illinois tomorrow night). But Smith will have to make these players better next season and prove that coming recruiting classes are good enough to make Minnesota a Big Ten power.
One day Smith might be a consensus choice as the best and most popular coach the Gophers have ever had. He’s already being shown a lot of love.