Coach Jim Calhoun wasn't there to watch his team handily win their first round game in the NCAA tourney Thursday, 103-47 over Chattanooga. Calhoun was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he is expected to remain overnight for observation and is listed in good condition.
In a statement released by the University of Connecticut, Calhoun said:
"I have been feeling lousy for the past several days and this morning talked to Dr. Anderson [UConn Director of Sports Medicine] about it. He recommended that I not coach in the game today and stay back at the hotel. As the day went on, he suggested that we go over to the hospital to have some testing done. Fortunately, those tests have all gone well and I am feeling much better. I will stay the night as a precaution and anticipate being checked again in the morning and being able to leave the hospital at that time."
A source close to Calhoun said this is, "nothing to worry about." His illness was described by this source as the flu.
The University confirmed the news of his illness 90 minutes before the team tipped-off against Chattanooga at 3pm.
"Coach Calhoun has not been feeling well for the past several days and it is best that he not coach the team today for precautionary reasons," said UConn Director of Sports Medicine Dr. Jeff Anderson, in a statement released by the school.
Calhoun, 67, missed the second half of a game with Rutgers on January 3rd. His absence was attributed to a bad cold. He also missed a game against Georgetown during the 2008 season, and missed several games in 2003 after having surgery to have his prostate removed following a diagnosis of cancer.
Last year, Calhoun underwent treatment for a carcinoma.
Associate head coach Geroge Blaney directed the team Thursday.