Tubby Smith steps down as High Point Panthers men's basketball coach, son G.G. Smith takes over

Tubby Smith announced Wednesday that he his stepping down as High Point's head men's basketball coach. His son, G.G. Smith, will take over as head coach for the remainder of this season and for the 2022-23 campaign.

Tubby Smith, 70, steps down after a second bout of COVID-19 kept him away from the program for an extended period. High Point said in a statement that he will assist with alumni and community engagement and fundraising for athletics through the end of the year.

«I feel blessed to have had an amazing career leading, coaching and teaching great young men at first-class institutions. Working at my alma mater during this stage of my career has been a dream. I'm thrilled that G.G. will be taking over as head coach. He will do a super job,» he said in a statement.

«Moving forward (his wife) Donna and I will continue the work we have done for over two decades to support and assist the University as proud alums of HPU. HPU will always have a very special place in our hearts as we met and fell in love here at High Point. Our commitment and passion for HPU will never wane and we intend to continue be an integral part of its growth and prosperity well into the future.»

Tubby Smith was hired by High Point in 2018 after being fired by Memphis. He received a five-year contract and went 45-68 as the school's head coach.

«Tubby Smith is a Hall of Fame head coach and HPU has been fortunate to have his leadership of our men's basketball program. From day one with the Panthers, Coach Smith established a first-class program of the utmost character and integrity,» athletic director Dan Hauser said in a statement. «His passion on the court was unmatched and his enthusiasm to engage with HPU alumni and in the High Point community