Bullpen

Good thing Sampson came to his senses

That's good news that the Gophers' Ralph Sampson III came to his senses and decided to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft and return for his senior season at Minnesota.

It's good news for Sampson, who isn't ready for the NBA (don't believe he ever will be, though I guess you never know). It's also good news for the basketball program, which is retaining a 6-foot-11 starter who has shown potential but has yet to live up to it on a consistent basis.

Maybe Sampson's flirt with the draft will spark him into being the player so many feel he's capable of being. Sampson is an excellent shot blocker and a big guy who shows range on his shot.

Now, it's time for him to get tougher, physically and mentally, guide the Gophers to an upper-third finish in the Big Ten next season and just possibly put himself in position to actually get selected in the 2012 NBA Draft.

— Pat Ruff

Let's hope Tubby sticks around

Now, here comes another round of rumors regarding Tubby Smith. The latest is his potential move to Maryland, where he would replace the just-retired Gary Williams.

This is a move that actually could happen, if Maryland wants Smith. Tubby is a Maryland native and it’s been rumored that this would be a dream job for him.

Well, I’m hoping it doesn’t happen. Sure, Tubby is coming of a season of collapse. But this remains a guy who still has a heck of lot going for him, including one 20-win season after another prior to the 2010-11 compaign.

There are also the matters of Tubby having a reputation for running a clean program and being able to recruit. Guys like that don't grow on trees.

No doubt, Tubby had a bunch of fans leave his bandwagon once this past season came to a merciful end.

But Smith didn’t suddenly become a bad coach in one year. This is a proven winner and a good man. Here's hoping we haven’t seen the last of him in Minnesota.

— Pat Ruff