The following are Tubby Smith's responses to questions by Sid Hartman and Mike Max on today's Sports Huddle:
1) Last night's big win: "Kids really worked hard. Deserving of getting a break against a quality team, Illinois."
2) On the recent run by the Gophers: "We've had a good run. We're a young team."
3) Poise at the end of regulation play: "We've folded at times . . . experience and understanding played a big part with the poise, including the coaching staff."
4) Sid asked about the team's youth: One senior, Ralph Sampson . . . "It's a process, a journey and a long way to go with a big game with Iowa."
5) Joe Coleman received 2 or three stitches to his lip last night. "He's a warrior . . . he sets the tone . . . an aggressive player." The players play off his aggressive play.
6) Sid asked about scholarships: "We're out of all scholarships (Tubby had laughter in his voice) but you never know." (He referenced transfer(s), but he wasn't being explicit. You never know what can occur in the off'season.)
7) Trevor Mbakwe: "We'll see if we can get another year. He's graduated and is working on another degree." (He'd be eligible to play, if he's granted another year.)
8) Practice facility: "Need to get players an opportunity to get in practice time at anytime." (He was referencing the uncertainty of Williams Arena being available for a variety reasons. Especially important to have an opportunity to practice in the off-season with regularity.) A practice facility as a recruiting tool: "When everyone else has one we're at a disadvantage."
Go Gophers!!
1) Last night's big win: "Kids really worked hard. Deserving of getting a break against a quality team, Illinois."
2) On the recent run by the Gophers: "We've had a good run. We're a young team."
3) Poise at the end of regulation play: "We've folded at times . . . experience and understanding played a big part with the poise, including the coaching staff."
4) Sid asked about the team's youth: One senior, Ralph Sampson . . . "It's a process, a journey and a long way to go with a big game with Iowa."
5) Joe Coleman received 2 or three stitches to his lip last night. "He's a warrior . . . he sets the tone . . . an aggressive player." The players play off his aggressive play.
6) Sid asked about scholarships: "We're out of all scholarships (Tubby had laughter in his voice) but you never know." (He referenced transfer(s), but he wasn't being explicit. You never know what can occur in the off'season.)
7) Trevor Mbakwe: "We'll see if we can get another year. He's graduated and is working on another degree." (He'd be eligible to play, if he's granted another year.)
8) Practice facility: "Need to get players an opportunity to get in practice time at anytime." (He was referencing the uncertainty of Williams Arena being available for a variety reasons. Especially important to have an opportunity to practice in the off-season with regularity.) A practice facility as a recruiting tool: "When everyone else has one we're at a disadvantage."
Go Gophers!!