[press conference transcript]
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."
