Collins on the road to recovery

COACH BACK HOME AFTER SURGERY

(1/9/07)

Photo: Steve Woltmann/UIC Athletics UIC associate head coach Mark Coomes (left) said that Jimmy Collins is back home resting and will likely need some time to fully recover.

UIC coach Jimmy Collins left the hospital two days after having a procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

He was discharged from the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago on Saturday and returned to rest at his South suburban home.

Collins, 59, has been on a leave of absence since Dec. 22.

UIC sports information director Mike Cassidy said Collins had a full physical just before the new year when the problem was diagnosed.

“It’s a good thing he was on leave,” Cassidy said. “He probably wouldn’t have been able to have a full physical over the course of the basketball season.”

Associate head coach Mark Coomes has spoken with Collins on a few occasions since the procedure. Coomes said that Collins is slowly regaining his strength.

“He’s feeling pretty weak; he went through a tough time.” Coomes said. “I saw him in the hospital. I’ve talked to him two or three times since he’s gotten out.”

Coomes said it could take some time for Collins to fully recover.

“My mother had a brain aneurysm last fall,” Coomes said. “It took her three months for her to regain her fitness and her strength, because that’s major cutting on somebody. When have that kind of situation, it’s going to take time.”

Sophomore guard Josh Mayo also had a chance to talk to Collins in the last few days.

“I spoke to him [Sunday],” Mayo said. “He said once a couple of people called him, he cheered up a bit. He said he’s doing well. He’s taking it easy for a little while, trying to get better. He doesn’t sound stressed now – he’s mellow now. He’s still concerned about the team, hoping everybody’s doing well.”