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UConn says Jim Calhoun’s back surgery ‘encouraging’

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Mike Miller

Jim Calhoun’s back surgery was a success. But there’s no timetable on his return.

The Connecticut men’s coach underwent a two-hour procedure Monday that included the removal of a “large extruded disk fragment” that had been pressing on his spine. The school announced that he’ll be released on Tuesday and Calhoun’s recovery will be monitored by his personal surgeondoctor.

“Everything looks encouraging,” George Blaney, UConn’s interim coach, told the Hartford Courant. “Pat [Calhoun, Jim’s wife] called and said the doctors were really pleased with what went on in the procedure.”

It should help Calhoun, 69, feel better right away because while he won’t be able to do any strenuous work, back pain related to pressure on his spinal nerve should be eased.

UConn (17-11, 7-9 in Big East) is 5-5 without Calhoun on the sideline this season, and is 3-4 during his medical leave of absence. The Huskies’ regular-season finale is March 3. The Big East tournament starts March 6.

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