An excerpt from Myron P. Medcalf’s story this morning in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on Minnesota and Tubby Smith reaching the NCAA Tournament:
What transpired following the announcement involved body slams and pop bottles flying in a frantic celebration, according to players.
“You see some teams get in at a spot that we could be at,” senior co-captain Jamal Abu-Shamala said. “When they called our name, it was one of the greatest feelings. We definitely went crazy.”
In the midst of it all was a coach who had been through it all many times before but was still nervous enough to block media from watching the announcement with his team.
“You could feel the energy in the room,” Gophers coach Tubby Smith said. “Just an explosion. And that usually happens.”
Very happy for Tubby. Looking forward to seeing his name in Rupp’s rafters in the future (assuming Mitch knows how to retire a jersey in basketball or football!!!!).
Congrats to the Golden Gophers! So glad they were finally able to get in.
Tubby is a great coach and I wouldn’t bash him for anything.
However, I think it is odd that you are posting this since our former coach has been gone for two years. I guess, to some, it still matters. But, he is gone and it’s time to embrace.
Where is the article about Pitino’s squad making it as a #1 seed? It would make sense for you to write an article about him too.
Maybe the Star-Tribune or Courier-Journal is looking for a beat writer – I’m sure Tubby and Rick would appreciate a familiar face.
Is there anything you can find that is positive coming out of our program?
Just one item – a morsel – a nugget – a crumb – of optimism?
Poor ole Tubby. Gone but still loved in Lexington. I bet we’ll feel the say way about Billy when he finally decides winning at a premier program was a little more difficult than coaching at a football school in a football state.
Go Tubby. Hope you get to Duke and do something we couldn’t do.