UConn coach will miss at least next 3 games

[February 16, 2012]  STORRS, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun will miss at least three more games while he receives treatment for his ailing back, the school said Wednesday.

Calhoun, who sat out the team's last three games as a result of spinal stenosis, also will miss Wednesday night's game against DePaul, Saturday's game against Marquette and Monday's game against Villanova.

"I am happy that we seem to have located the problem and I am currently moving forward with treatment," Calhoun said in a statement. "We have to give that treatment time to see whether or not it is effective.

Calhoun, who has been experiencing back pain since last summer, took an indefinite leave of absence on Feb. 3.

The Huskies (15-9, 5-7 Big East) are 1-2 since then, with a win over Seton Hall and losses at Louisville and Syracuse. UConn has lost six of its last seven games, and has won just three times in 2012.

"I'm hoping by the middle of next week, we will have a much clearer picture of where we are and when I can look forward to getting back to doing what I do," Calhoun said.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spine, normally associated with aging and sometimes with arthritis. If physical therapy and medicines aren't effective, surgery may be considered.

Calhoun has had a history of health problems. He is a three-time cancer survivor, overcoming prostate cancer in 2003 and skin cancer twice, most recently in 2008.

Calhoun has missed 24 games during his career at UConn, 20 for medical reasons. He has had to leave another 11 games with health problems. His last extended medical leave came in 2010, when he missed seven games with stress-related issues.

He missed three games earlier this season because of NCAA sanctions.

Calhoun is No. 6 on the all-time wins list with 868. He has won three national championships at Connecticut and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. He coached the team to its fourth Final Four and third national title last April.

He will get credit for any games the Huskies win while he is out on medical leave.

[Associated Press; By PAT EATON-ROBB]

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