University of Connecticut Athletics
Calhoun to Undergo Surgery for Prostate Cancer
2/3/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
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STORRS, CONNECTICUT (February 3, 2003)-- University of Connecticut head basketball coach Jim Calhoun announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with an early stage of prostate cancer and will undergo surgery for the removal of his prostate Thursday, February 6.
Coach Calhoun's surgery will take place in the John Dempsey Hospital at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, CT.
Dr. Peter Albertsen, the UConn Health Center urologist who will perform the surgery, said, "We are fortunate that through our early detection methods we have idenitified coach Calhoun's prostate problem as a relatively low grade cancer. We have discussed with Jim his options and he has elected to proceed with surgery. Coach Calhoun's condition appears to be very treatable and we anticipate his return to normal job-related activities within three-to-four weeks."
Calhoun, 60, directed team practice Monday at Gampel Pavilion but will not travel with the team to Blacksburg, VA for the Connecticut game vs. Virginia Tech Wednesday night, February 5. Assistant coach George Blaney will take over the head coaching responsibilities beginning Tuesday and will remain in that role during coach Calhoun's absence.
"I am most fortunate to have a great coaching staff," said Calhoun. " We all realize that continuing to improve as a team during the regular season is a priority and we also realize that the very important task of continuing our national level recruiting must not be slowed. Therefore, during my absence, George Blaney will direct our team from a practice and a day-of-game standpoint. Tom Moore, with assistance from Clyde Vaughan, will continue to coordinate all of our recruiting efforts."
"The doctors anticipate my return to coaching within a three-to-four week period," Calhoun said. "I have always treated my health as a private family matter and I ask that everyone respects my desire to have it remain so."
