May 30, 2003

LEXINGTON, Ky. – In response to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer regarding Kentucky coach Tubby Smith’s involvement with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers’ coaching search, Smith has issued the following statement:

“I have no interest in coaching the 76ers. I am very happy as the coach at Kentucky and extremely pleased with my new contract I signed last month. I have no plans to leave the Wildcats, and in fact, I’m very excited about our prospects for next season,” Smith said.

Smith was in Destin, Fla., this week at the Southeastern Conference spring meetings before returning to Lexington on Thursday. He left Friday morning for the USA Basketball trials in Colorado Springs, Colo., where returning Wildcats Gerald Fitch, Chuck Hayes and Kelenna Azubuike are trying out for the 2003 U.S. Pan American team.

Smith is 288-109 in his college coaching career including a 164-47 record in six seasons at Kentucky. Smith will have no further comment on the matter.