High Point's Hoops Revolution: How Tubby Smith Built a Winner

Remember when High Point basketball was just… there? For years, the Panthers were a consistent Big South presence, sure, but rarely a threat to cut down nets. That all changed when Tubby Smith walked through the door in 2018. The guy won a national championship at Kentucky, for crying out loud. He brought instant credibility, and more importantly, a plan.

Smith's first few seasons were a grind, no doubt. The 2018-19 squad went 16-15, a respectable start but hardly earth-shattering. The next two years saw the Panthers dip, finishing 9-15 in 2020-21. But even then, you could see the pieces starting to fit, the defensive intensity picking up. It takes time to instill a culture, especially when you're turning over a roster.

Then came the hiring of his son, G.G. Smith, in March 2022. That move, in my opinion, was the real turning point. Tubby transitioned to an associate athletic director role, and G.G. took the reins, inheriting a team that was ready to bloom. The continuity helped, but G.G. brought a fresh energy and a willingness to adapt the offense.

**Finding Their Stride in the Big South**

Last season, the Panthers finally put it all together. They finished 27-9 overall, a program record for wins, and went 13-3 in Big South play. That’s a serious jump from the middle of the pack. They averaged 84.7 points per game, good for 10th nationally, and shot nearly 48% from the field. That’s not just good for the Big South; that’s elite offensive efficiency.

Look, you don't win 27 games by accident. Aidan Noyes, a sophomore forward, emerged as a legitimate star, averaging 15.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. He wasn't even a starter at the beginning of the year, but by February, he was dominating. And don't forget Duke Miles, who put up 17.5 points per game and dished out 2.6 assists. Miles was a transfer from Troy, and he immediately became the engine of that offense. They beat UNC Asheville 99-73 in January, a real statement win against the eventual conference champions. That night, they looked unstoppable.

Thing is, High Point’s success wasn’t just about a few hot shooters. They played smart, disciplined basketball. They only turned the ball over 10.7 times a game, among the best in the country. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you're giving away possessions, you're not winning 27 games.

**The Path Forward for High Point**

Here's the hot take: High Point is now the team to beat in the Big South, not just a contender. They lost Miles to the transfer portal, which stings, but they've reloaded. Coach Smith has shown he can attract talent, and the program's upward trajectory is undeniable. The experience from last year’s NIT run, where they made it to the quarterfinals before falling to Cincinnati 74-57, will pay dividends. They played meaningful basketball deep into March.

They've signed some promising freshmen and brought in transfers who fit their system. Look for someone like Abdoulaye Thiam, who averaged 7.6 points last year, to take a massive leap. The culture is established, the coaching is sound, and the winning has become contagious.

My bold prediction? High Point wins the Big South regular season title this coming year and makes their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. The Panthers are no longer just "there"; they're here to stay.