By Gavin Keefe
Publication: theday.com
Never a dull moment covering the UConn basketball team.
As you already know, coach Jim Calhoun is sidelined indefinitely on a medical leave of absence with a lower back condition.
Associate head coach George Blaney is running the team in Calhoun's absence.
There is some good news this morning.
Seton Hall's leading scorer and rebounder Herb Pope is out with bruised ribs. He had 15 points and eight rebounds in a 75-63 win over UConn in Newark on Jan. 3.
Blaney is making a change in the starting lineup. For the first time this season, UConn will begin a game with three guards. Ryan Boatright, Shabazz Napire and Jeremy Lamb join Tyler Olander and Andre Drummond.
It is the eighth different starting lineup this season.
In other news, director of basketball administration Karl Hobbs has been elevated to assistant coach until Calhoun returns. UConn received permission from the NCAA to make the move.
Calhoun will miss at least for today's game and Monday's game at Louisville.
Not sure if Calhoun will make UConn's game at No. 2 Syracuse on Saturday, Feb. 11.
For updates during the game and throughout the season, follow me on Twitter @GavinKeefe
Check back later for a post-game blog and video.
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