A&M's Billy Kennedy Diagnosed With Parkinson's

First-year Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Kennedy announced Thursday the he is in the early stages of Parkinson's disease.

Kennedy took a leave of absence Oct. 14, the first day of practice.

"Through testing, it has been discovered that I am dealing with an early stage of Parkinson's disease," Kennedy said in an A&M press release. "At this time, I am heeding the advice of my doctors and addressing the disease and its symptoms. We have begun a long-term treatment plan and recovery. My doctors are encouraged and are telling me I will be able to come back soon."

Kennedy's leave of absence came after he experienced neck and shoulder pain that led to irregular sleep and eventually exhaustion.

Kennedy was hired May 16 to replace Mark Turgeon, who after four years at A&M took the head coaching job at Maryland.

"I am very grateful for the outpouring of support and the prayers from friends, family and the Aggie Network," Kennedy said. "We have a good prognosis. Be encouraged, and join with me in eager anticipation for the success that awaits us. My intention is to return to the court as soon as it is prudent."

Assistant coach Glynn Cyprien, Kennedy's first hire, will run practices until Kennedy's return.

"Our foremost concern is for coach Kennedy and his family," A&M athletics director Bill Byrne said. "Billy knows he can count on us and the Aggie Network for support. I fully expect Billy to have a long and illustrious coaching career here in Aggieland when he is cleared to return to the court. Meanwhile, I have confidence in the staff Billy has hired and in our basketball team."

Kennedy inherited a team with three returning starters that was picked along with Kansas to win the Big 12.

"After speaking with coach today, he knows that we're there for him and we know that he's there for us," said senior point guard Dash Harris. "He's doing better and we're just trying to get him back on the floor as soon as possible. He left this team in great hands. We have great leadership to a man on this team and on this staff, and everyone knows what he expects, so once he comes back it'll be a smooth ride."

Kennedy came to A&M from Murray State, where he coached the Racers to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2010 and the NIT in 2011. He had an 87-53 record in five years at Murray State.