Billy Tubbs was a rival figure to Kansas University basketball teams for 14 years when his Oklahoma Sooners came to Allen Fieldhouse.
And he was part of one of the most stunning moments in KU basketball history when “Danny (Manning) and the Miracles” coached by Larry Brown defeated the heavily favored Sooners 83-79 for the 1988 NCAA National Championship at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo.
Tubbs
Now Tubbs will return Jan. 29 to Lawrence, this time to speak at the 2010 Lawrence Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting. Chamber members will get to hear an outsider’s perspective on KU’s basketball tradition.
“It’s more the opportunity to recognize both coach Tubbs and the wonderful work he did in his coaching career and also connect it to the basketball history of KU and its relationship with Lawrence,” said Tom Kern, the chamber’s CEO and president.
Tubbs, the current athletic director at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, remembers his trips to Allen Fieldhouse.
“I always thought of it as an exciting place to play, and I always felt good about coming in there because we had some really good games there,” Tubbs said. “We probably lost more than we won, but I really liked the crowd there because they were always excited to play.”
Rivalries were fierce on the court, but he said fans who live in the old Big 8 Conference country tend to have a mutual respect for opposing teams. KU presented Missouri coach Norm Stewart with a rocking chair in 2003 after he retired.
“I don’t think we realized we were having as much fun as we were having,” Tubbs said.
He said he still enjoys following KU and coach Bill Self, a fellow Oklahoman.
The Chamber of Commerce meeting begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, the annual awards and a presentation by Tubbs at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive.
To make reservations, call 865-4411 or send an e-mail to ahandshy@lawrencechamber.com. For information about sponsorship opportunities, call Cathy Lewis at 865-4406 or send an e-mail to clewis@lawrencechamber.com.
Comments
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Number_1_Grandma (anonymous) says…
You might as well have Lew Perkins speak as opposed to Billy Tubbs.
rduhrich (anonymous) says…
Former K-State coach Jack Hartman said of Billy Tubbs: "He's highly overrated as a coach, and a real turd of a human being". Best description of this butthole I've ever heard.
KS (anonymous) says…
He was one of several colorful coaches in the Big 8. Just remember that "no matter how bad the officiating is, don't yell at them" (or something close to that). Somebody reading this will remember the exact quote.
right_down_the_middle (anonymous) says…
Salina Chamber gets Sarah Palin..Lawrence Chamber gets...Billy Tubbs? Way to go Chamber. You rock. A real barn burner of a speech to be sure. Billy Tubbs...you have got to be kidding. Bet he is cheap. And someone promised him basketball seats to a game.
dontcallmedan (anonymous) says…
Sarah Palin....you have got to be kidding. And she ain't cheap.
puddleglum (anonymous) says…
right down the middle.....that was good.
I think I'd rather have jack hartman dunk at allen than listen to tubbs.
jkilgore (anonymous) says…
I'm not a fan of Palin or Tubbs, but it's a wide world comprised of many types, and I'm pretty sure that each speaker will be at least entertaining.
UNIKU (anonymous) says…
This is the dumbest idea I've ever heard. Just proof of how worthless the CofC is. What a joke! What? Norm Stewart was available?
newmedia (anonymous) says…
If Billy keeps his hands in his pockets and his mouth shut it should be a worth while event to attend.
shleppy (anonymous) says…
its nice that every time billy tubbs is mentioned so is the 88 championship.
BABBOY (anonymous) says…
Right down the middle sounds more like tilted to the right.
7texdude (anonymous) says…
Say what you want about Billy Tubbs, but he is a better coach than you think. After all, he led TCU to the NCAAs. That is amazing.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
I'm shocked at the headline. Is this for real?
rgh (anonymous) says…
I don't think anyone here is questioning his coaching. They're rightfully questioning him as a human being. His antics were as bad, if not worse, at times than Bobby Knight's.
I was in Allen Fieldhouse when OU played and Billy gave the "bird" to the KU fans who were booing them as they came out of the tunnel before the game. It was a great game and luckily KU won and luckily Tubbs was allowed to leave without being harmed. That was truly a display of an a&&.
It's too late now, but what about bringing in Norm Stewart or Eddie Sutton. I would respect their opinions on the KU tradition far more than Billy Tubbs!
CheneyHawk (anonymous) says…
Am I the only one that remembers in the '80's when OU won the BIg 8 @ KU, cut down our nets and Billy was flipping off the crowd? Uh yeah, welcome back Billy....
gphawk89 (anonymous) says…
I remember Billy flipping the bird as well. I was there. Didn't actually see it happen but heard the crowd react and read about it later. Classy guy...
Purell (anonymous) says…
What they neglected to share in this article is:
The Chamber’s Annual Meeting is $75 per person to attend and is open to all Chamber members.