Minnesota coach Tubby Smith reiterated that he expects to be back at Minnesota next season.

A Fort Worth Star-Telegram report said Smith was close to replacing John Pelphrey at Arkansas.

During his weekly radio show on WCCO Monday night, Smith said he plans to coach the Gophers next season.

"Yes, I do," he responded when asked if he expected to return in 2011-12. He also said that's "it's just a matter of time" before he signs an extension, which he has discussed with the school for more than a year.

Ohio State defeated sixth-seeded Penn State by a final of 72-60 to win the 2011 Big Ten Conference Tournament.

Jared Sullinger was named Tournament MOP.

• Click here to view RealGM’s 2011 NCAA Tournament Page.

JaJuan Johnson of Purdue has won both the Coaches and Media Big Ten Player of the Year Award.

Jared Sullinger of Ohio State won both awards for Freshman of the Year.

Johnson, Sullinger, Jordan Taylor (Wisconsin) and E'Twaun Moore (Purdue) were All-Big Ten First Team selections on both lists. Jon Leuer (Wisconsin) was the fifth member by the Coaches and Talor Battle was the Media's fifth selection.

• Click here for more award information from the Big Ten.

Minnesota Gophers coach Tubby Smith will sign an extension prior to the 2011-12 season, according to his agent, Ricky Lefft.

Lefft said it's just a matter of time before Smith's extension becomes official.

"It’s in the works," he said.

Minnesota and Smith first discussed a possible extension last year.

Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith says he is not leaving the school for Georgia Tech.

"Why would I be interested in that job? I'm not going anywhere,” Smith said. “My wife likes it here, I like it here, and I'm going to finish my career here."

The Gophers have a 1-8 record in their past nine games and are 6-11 in the Big Ten and 17-12 overall.

Minnesota recruit Justin Welch was told by Minnesota assistants that Gophers coach Tubby Smith would not leave for another school after this season.

"(Assistants) told me the rumors come up that he is going somewhere every year," Welch said. "They told me Tubby's not going anywhere, and that type of thing. But I'm definitely going to talk to coach Smith about it. As far as I know, he's not going to leave. But you never know what could happen in the future though."

Welch has yet to receive confirmation from Smith.