=== Gophers extend Tubby Smith ===
 
 Minneapolis,  MN (Sports  Network)  - Tubby  Smith has  agreed  to a  contract
 extension  to continue  coaching at  the University  of Minnesota  through the
 2016-17 season.
 
 Financial terms of the contract were not released.
 
 "I am pleased to announce that Coach Smith and Gopher Athletics have agreed on
 a  contract extension," director of athletics Norwood Teague said. "Tubby took
 over  our  program at a difficult  time and quickly  got it headed back in the
 right  direction,  both  athletically  and academically.  Since  then,  Gopher
 basketball  has continued  to  make  strides under  his  leadership with  four
 postseason  appearances,  including last year's  exciting run to the NIT title
 game.  I look forward to working with Coach Smith into the future to help lift
 Gopher basketball to even greater heights."
 
 Last  season,  the Gopher reached  the NIT  Championship game after winning 23
 games.
 
 "We  are excited about the extension and know that the University of Minnesota
 is  the  right place for us,"  said Smith. "I believe  that we can get the job
 done here. The commitment from the university is there to continue to grow the
 program  and  I am looking forward  to being a  part of that. I appreciate the
 faith  that Norwood  Teague and President Kaler  have in our staff and what we
 are  trying to accomplish here. I am focused on reaching our full potential as
 a program. That is why we came here five years ago and it is still our goal."
 
 In  five seasons  at Minnesota, Smith has  compiled a record of 103-68 and led
 the Gophers to two NCAA Tournament berths and two NIT appearances. His winning
 percentage is the fourth-best in school history.
 
 Prior to coaching at Minnesota, Smith was the head coach at Tulsa, Georgia and
 Kentucky, where he won the SEC Tournament five times and the NCAA Championship
 in 1998. His overall record is 490-213 across 21 seasons.
 
 
 
 07/23 19:35:55 ET