Lawrence Westbrook News

How deep are Tubby Smith's Gophers? Ralph Sampson III didn't register a field goal.

Tubby Smith is most thankful he had a father who taught him well. Every team he has coached - Tulsa, Georgia, Kentucky and now the University of Minnesota - has learned about Smith's experiences with his dad growing up in rural Maryland.

Nearly a year ago, Minnesota's national image stemmed solely from Tubby Smith's fame, not from its body of work.

Gophers coach Tubby Smith on Thursday night found out what his team looked like without leading scorer Lawrence Westbrook, who was out with the flu during Minnesota's 76-51 victory over Utah Valley at Williams Arena.

Before University of Minnesota basketball practice began in October, Rodney Williams Jr.

Freshman Rodney Williams had 17 points, six rebounds and four steals in his first career start, helping 24th-ranked Minnesota pull away from Utah Valley in the second half of a 76-51 victory on Thursday.

Preview : Utah Valley is coming off a loss against California State-Bakersfield, after beating North Dakota State in its season debut.

The University of Minnesota men's basketball team is undefeated with a perfect 2-0 record.

With his 600th career win in the books, Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith now gets the 25th-ranked team in the nation focused on the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin tonight at Williams Arena.

The high-flying debut of Rodney Williams Jr. The visible improvements of Ralph Sampson III.

Minnesota coach Tubby Smith is keeping troubled freshman forward Royce White away from the team until the investigation into another theft allegation against him is complete.

Lawrence Westbrook poured in 22 points, as 25th-ranked Minnesota opened its 2009-10 season with an easy 87-50 victory over Tennessee Tech.

The Minnesota men's basketball has added two more recruits for next season. Wednesday was signing day for national letters of intent.

Al Nolen doesn't have to shoot to impact the game. But the Gophers would be a much more dangerous team if they had a scoring threat at point guard.

Devoe Joseph made five 3-pointers and scored 20 points to lead No. 25 Minnesota to a 98-49 exhibition victory over Minnesota State, Moorhead on Monday night.

MN1st SportsMinute,0169 Here is the latest Minnesota sports from The AP ST. PAUL, Minn.

MINNEAPOLIS - Damian Johnson had 16 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals to lead No.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Minnesota 's expectations are heightened in large part due to its four new players.

Posted on August 4th, 2009 2:20 PM By Myron Medcalf What's up, everybody? Gophers spokesman Matt Slieter confirmed Tuesday that the Gophers will only face Wisconsin and Illinois once this season.

Posted on August 4th, 2009 2:20 PM By Myron Medcalf What's up, everybody? Gophers spokesman Matt Slieter confirmed Tuesday that the Gophers will only face Wisconsin and Illinois once this season.