Calhoun scheduled for surgery

Storrs, Conn. (WTNH) - UConn men's basketball head coach Jim Calhoun is set to have surgery on Monday to help him cope with spinal stenosis.

"I'm glad we have finally determined the best course of treatment to deal with the problem," Calhoun said. "I'm looking forward to having the procedure done, hopefully recovering as quickly as possible, and putting it all in the past."

The school announced that Calhoun will miss the next two games; Tuesday's game at Providence will mark his eighth consecutive missed game of the season. His coaching status will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis following these games, the university said.

Calhoun announced on Feb. 3 that he was taking an indefinite leave of absence to deal with spinal stenosis, a condition associated with the narrowing of the spine. He is a three-time cancer survivor, overcoming prostate cancer in 2003 and skin cancer twice, most recently in 2008.

Calhoun, who turns 70 in May, began experiencing lower back pain last summer and has missed six games due to the medical leave. He also missed three games this season because of an NCAA suspension for recruiting violations.

The Huskies (17-10, 7-8 Big East) play host to Pittsburgh in their final regular-season game on March 3. The Big East tournament begins March 6 at Madison Square Garden.

Associate head coach George Blaney will continue in charge of the team in Calhoun's absence. Kevin Ollie, Glen Miller, and Karl Hobbs have been serving as assistant coaches.

The Huskies are 3-3 since Calhoun's took the leave.