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.

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.

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.

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.

Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi says negotiations will not take place for the University of Minnesota basketball coach until after the season. Tubby Smith also told the Pioneer Press that he has other things on his mind right now. Smith is coaching his fifth season of his original seven-year deal. The Gophers are 12-6, 2-4 in the Big Ten.

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.