In a recent interview with Kentucky Sports Radio, former University of Kentucky basketball player Jodie Meeks revealed that Tubby Smith’s historic win over Duke in 1998 played a key role in his decision to attend Kentucky.
Meeks, who played for the Wildcats from 2007 to 2009, reminisced about how he was captivated by the Wildcats’ upset victory over the Blue Devils in the NCAA tournament and how it influenced his decision to play for Coach Smith.
The victory over Duke was considered one of the greatest upsets in NCAA tournament history, and it helped propel Kentucky to a national championship that year. Meeks spoke about how watching that game made a lasting impression on him and fueled his desire to play for a program with such a rich basketball tradition.
Meeks went on to have a successful college career at Kentucky, earning All-American honors and becoming one of the top scorers in school history. He also helped lead the Wildcats to the SEC regular-season championship in 2009.
Meeks’s comments highlight the impact that memorable games and coaching victories can have on young players as they make decisions about their futures. The win over Duke not only solidified Meeks’s commitment to Kentucky but also inspired him to strive for excellence and success during his time as a Wildcat.
As Meeks reflects on his time at Kentucky, he credits Tubby Smith and the historic win over Duke as pivotal moments that shaped his basketball career. His story serves as a reminder of the power of sports to inspire and influence athletes in profound ways.
Source
Photo credit news.google.com