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Tubby Smith Treated For Prostate Cancer, Former Georgia Basketball Coach OK

Former Georgia Bulldogs and current Minnesota basketball head coach Tubby Smith has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but after undergoing treatments says he is "cancer-free and feeling great." Smith's released statement:

Amid speculation I want to make it aware that I did in fact undergo a procedure on April 21 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. During my regular physical last spring it was discovered that my prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were high. A biopsy was done and it was discovered that I had early stages of prostate cancer. I am happy to say that the cancer was contained and removed and I am now cancer free and feeling great.

I want to thank Dr. Gettman and Dr. Litin at the Mayo clinic for everything they have done for me. I am a proponent of regular prostate examines and hope that men, especially African-American men, continue to have regular checkups. Again, I am feeling great and can't wait for the upcoming season.

Tubby Smith spent two seasons in Athens and guided the Bulldogs to a 45-19 record. During his first season, Smith led the Bulldogs into the Sweet 16 where they were defeated by Syracuse. During his two seasons, Georgia recorded its first back to back 20 win seasons in school history. 

Smith left Georgia for Kentucky and won the National Championship in his first season in Lexington. Smith lasted 10 seasons at Kentucky compiling a 263-83 record. From there he moved on to Minnesota where he just completed his fourth season. 

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.