Blaney: Jim Calhoun’s Pain Has ‘Intensified’

STORRS – Jim Calhoun was still in New York, getting more evaluation of his spinal stenosis.

“I speak to him every day,” said George Blaney, who will coach in Calhoun’s stead again against DePaul on Wednesday. “He’s still hurting. In fact, it sounds like the pain has intensified.”

Calhoun is still mulling whether to address the spinal condition with surgery. UConn officials expect a decision of some kind before the end of the week.

“The players miss him and we all want him back here with us,” Blaney said.

The new AD Warde Manuel, who addressed the players on Monday afternoon, spoke to Calhoun by phone on Monday night. Players have tried to text or call the coach, but he has been getting a lot of calls.

“Coach Blaney is doing a great job,” Ryan Boatright said, “Coach Miller, and K.O. (Kevin Ollie), all the coaches here know what they’re doing. But coach Calhoun, he’s like the backbone, when it comes to not doing something right … I mean, you all know what he’s like!”