Tubby Smith Nets 400th Career Win

Tonight, Minnesota coach Tubby Smith collected his 400th career win with a 77-65 win at Michigan. The game was supposed mark a milestone for Michigan, as it was the 40th anniversary of Michigan's Chrisler Arena, and several members of Michigan's 1968 team were in attendance. But Tubby Smith and the Gophers spoiled the festivities for the Wolverines.

Congratulations to Tubby Smith. He's a very good coach. And he got a raw deal at Kentucky.

Unfortunately for Smith, his team won the National Championship in his first year at Kentucky (1998). Because the nucleus of the 1998 team consisted of players who had been recruited by Smith's predecessor, Rick Pitino, many UK fans didn't give Smith credit for the Championship. He was said to have lucked into the Championship because he inherited a Championship caliber team.

But despite the fact that Tubby Smith never got full credit for Kentucky's 1998 Championship, the fact that his team won a Championship in his first season caused Kentucky fans to hold him to a higher standard than they would normally hold a new coach.

So Tubby Smith's Championship essentially doomed his career at Kentucky. He never got the credit he deserved for the Championship, but his early success raised the bar for fans' expectations. He was expected to keep winning Championships -- every year.

Congratulations to Tubby Smith. Minnesota scored a coup when the hired Tubby. He should have the Gophers competing for Big Ten Championships in the near future.

C.S.T.V. has more on Tubby Smith's revival of Minnesota Gophers hoops.