UIC basketball coach Jimmy Collins in good condition

Jan. 4, 2007

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago head men's basketball coach Jimmy Collins is in good condition at the University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago following a minimally invasive procedure to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Surgeons repaired Collins' damaged aortic artery by inserting endovascular stent grafts via a catheter through two small incisions. He is expected to remain in the hospital for 24-48 hours.

Collins was admitted to the Medical Center on Tuesday after tests performed last week revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or ballooning of the artery that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs.

As a result, Collins stated that he will not return to the sidelines to coach the Flames until he has fully recovered.

Collins is in his 11th season on the UIC sidelines, with 169 career victories to his credit. Associate head coach Mark Coomes has taken the reins in Collins' absence.