CHARLESTON, S.C. — Bobby Cremins’ assistant said the veteran basketball coach hasn’t looked well the past few weeks, and Friday night the College of Charleston announced Cremins will miss the rest of the season because of a medical problem.
Mark Byington, who will take over as the Cougars’ coach, said he was surprised when the 64-year-old Cremins called him Friday with the news.
“The despair in his voice (Thursday) night and (Friday) morning, I knew something was wrong,” Byington said.
Cremins was at his home in Hilton Head Island, S.C., when the announcement was made at the school. The college did not specify Cremins’ medical condition or put a time frame on his return, and asked reporters to respect his privacy.
“I personally hope he coaches for many years to come,” Charleston athletic director Joe Hull said.
Hull said he plans to speak with Cremins over the next few weeks to determine if the coach will be out even longer.
Cremins issued a statement through the school, saying he knows his top assistant will do well in his new role.
“I have complete faith in him, as do our players,” he said.
The Cougars started this season 10-2 with wins over Clemson and Tennessee, but have lost six of their last eight. Cremins is in his sixth season with the Cougars after spending 19 years coaching Georgia Tech. He is 579-375 in 31 seasons of coaching.
