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.

Tubby Smith says he was bored with last season's slow pace of Golden Gophers basketball. The 2010 team was forced to slow it down because they didn't have great guard play. This year the plan is to increase the tempo.

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.

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.

Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press writes now that Jerry Kill's contract was announced you can expect the Gophers to announce Tubby Smith's new contract extension next. Smith recently said his deal was basically done.

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 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's not "Midnight Madness" or "Tubby's Tipoff." This year, it's called "Gopher All-Star Friday Night," a Minnesota men's basketball event that's billed to have the look of the NBA All-Star weekend with skills competitions and a full scrimmage. Doors open at 6:30 at Williams Arena.