Gophers basketball head coach Tubby Smith told reporters Thursday that he is happy, and more importantly, cancer free. Smith was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the start of last season. Now Smith wants to work on getting a new deal, a new practice facility, and another winning season.

Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith says he's "motivated as hell" after finding out he had prostate cancer earlier this year. The cancer was removed, but Smith says he got a wake up call to re-energize and show more appreciation for the job he has.

Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith knows good teams across the country "come up with the wins and big plays" this time of year that are needed to earn a trip to the NCAA tournament. Smith also says he doesn't like being under .500 in the Big Ten -- something he hopes to change Thursday night against Wisconsin.

It'll take a minor miracle for the basketball Gophers to make the NCAA basketball tournament this year, which has many wondering if coach Tubby Smith should be replaced.

Tubby Smith's 2012-13' Golden Gopher basketball team became a little more athletic Tuesday. Charles Buggs, a 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward from Arlington, Texas called coach Smith and told he's coming to the U of M next fall.

Gophers basketball coach Tubby Smith tells the Star Tribune his reserves execute better than his starters. So if Wisconsin is blowing out Minnesota early tonight, don't be surprised if Smith pulls a five-for-five switch.

On his first day on the job, new Gophers' athletics director Norwood Teague says the contract extension for basketball coach Tubby Smith is in "the 11th hour." Teague tells the Pioneer Press there are issues holding up the deal, but gave no specifics.

Star Tribune columnist Patrick Reusse says frustrated Gophers coach Tubby Smith wants Ralph Sampson III to go strong to the basket and not settle for jumpers -- even though that's never been his game.