July 18, 2001

Gregg Polinsky, a former Alabama assistant coach who helped the Crimson Tide garner nationally ranked recruiting classes, has been named the University of Kentucky’s Director of Men’s Basketball Operations, Coach Tubby Smith announced today. The St. Louis native will coordinate UK’s recruiting efforts, manage summer camps and serve as the team’s academic liaison in the newly created position.

Polinsky spent nine years as an assistant coach at Alabama, including three seasons under current UK assistant coach David Hobbs. During his tenure, which also included six seasons coaching on Wimp Sanderson’s staff, recruiting experts ranked the Tide’s incoming classes among the nation’s top 20, thanks to such stars such as Latrell Sprewell, Robert Horry and Antonio McDyess.

In 1995, Polinsky took over as head coach of Georgia Southern, coaching the Eagles for four seasons. The last two years, he served as a scout for the New Jersey Nets of the NBA. Previously, he served as an assistant coach at Northern Arizona, Howard Junior College and Texas. As a player, he lettered two seasons at New Mexico and one year at Northern Arizona.