Tubby Smith Had Prostate Cancer, Now Cancer-Free

Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith announced Wednesday he recently had surgery to address prostate cancer that was discovered during an annual physical exam.

Smith announced that he was "cancer-free" and "feeling great" following the procedure, which occurred April 21 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

"Amid speculation, I want to make it aware that I did, in fact, undergo a procedure," Smith said in a release from the university. "I am happy to say that the cancer was contained and removed.

"I am feeling great and can't wait for the upcoming season."

Smith's physical exam last spring revealed he had high PSA -- prostate-specific antigen -- levels. He subsequently had a biopsy performed, which indicated the early stages of prostate cancer.

Smith, 59, recently completed his fourth season at Minnesota. He previously coached at Tulsa, Georgia and Kentucky, where he won the 1998 NCAA championship in his first season on the job.

Several active college coaches have been treated for prostate cancer. Syracuse's Jim Boeheim and recent NCAA championship winner Jim Calhoun of Connecticut both are survivors. St. John's coach Steve Lavin recently announced he is being treated for prostate cancer.

Smith thanked his Mayo clinic doctors for their work in treating his illness.

"I am a proponent of regular prostate exams," Smith said, "and hope that men, especially African-American men, continue to have regular checkups."