Texas Tech University Athletics
Tubby Smith named to college basketball hall of fame
July 13, 2026 | Men's Basketball
LUBBOCK, Texas – Tubby Smith, who led the Texas Tech basketball program for three seasons from 2013-15, has been selected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith guided the Red Raiders to the 2016 NCAA Tournament in his final season – snapping a nine-year drought for the program to advance to the national tournament and helping set up the unprecedented success Tech basketball has experienced since.
One of the most accomplished and respected coaches in college basketball history, Smith built a remarkable career spanning more than three decades and seven Division I programs. Smith's career was highlighted by leading Kentucky to the 1998 national championship in his first season with the Wildcats. He guided five different programs to the NCAA Tournament, including Texas Tech, and earned national and conference coaching honors throughout his career. Known for his leadership, player development, and sustained success, Smith compiled nearly 650 victories during his distinguished head-coaching career – including 46 wins leading the Red Raiders.
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame will now have two former Red Raider head coaches enshrined with Bob Knight going in as part of the Class of 2006. Knight coached Texas Tech from 2001-08, leading the program to a 138-82 record during his time.
Along with Smith, the Class of 2026 includes Jay Wright, Ted Owens, Danny Ainge, Glen Rice and Walt Hazzard. Each induction class is selected by the Blue Ribbon Selection Committee, comprised of college basketball executives and respected leaders around the country, and administered by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Foundation. The Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined during the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Celebration presented by UMB Private Wealth Management on Oct. 22, 2026, at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Missouri.
"The Class of 2026 represents the very best of college basketball—individuals whose performance, leadership, and impact helped shape the game at the highest level," said Kevin Henderson, CEO of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. "Their legacies will forever be preserved as part of the sport's rich history."
This year marks the 20th class to be inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
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