Gopher week in photos: Milestone within reach for Tubby

Nov 15, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Rodney Williams (33) against the Tennessee State Tigers at Williams Arena. The Gophers defeated the Tigers 72-43. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Gopher forward Rodney Williams has been a highlight reel this season. The senior has blossomed this season, putting up big numbers not only on the offensive side of the ball, but also making plays defensively, using his athletic ability to swat passes and dive for balls. On Tuesday, Minnesota beat South Dakota State University, 88-64. Williams only had 2 points but finished the game with 4 blocks.

October 1, 2011; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Shortell (11) during the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Max “Red Rocket” Shortell announced this week that he will be transferring from the University of Minnesota. The sophomore from Kansas played in 15 games as a member of the Maroon and Gold, but his amicable departure is simply in his best interest as he looks to lock down playing time somewhere else.

Nov 28, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Kris Humphries (43) blocks the shot of Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Former Gopher basketball star and current Brooklyn Nets forward Kris Humphries, was involved in a on-court fight with Boston Celtic point guard Rajon Rondo last week. Humphries fouled Celtic Kevin Garnett, sending Garnett to the ground. Rondo responded by pushing Humphries into the court side seats. Humphries responded to Rondo’s attacks by pulling Rondo’s jersey over his head just like any good Minnesotan who has played hockey would do.

Nov 22, 2012; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Tubby Smith reacts on the bench in the second half against the Duke Blue Devils during the 2012 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Duke won 89-71. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota basketball coach, Tubby Smith, won career game No. 499 Tuesday against SDSU. He can reach the milestone Saturday, on the road, against the University of Southern California Trojans. Smith looked as laid-back as ever during the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas over Thanksgiving break, not wearing a suit with a matching bow-tie for once.

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