Southern Miss basketball gives first health update on coach Jay Ladner after hospitalization
The first update on Southern Miss basketball coach Jay Ladner's health was released Thursday morning.
In a statement released by Southern Miss on behalf of the Ladner family, Ladner is said to be "in great spirits and resting" after he was hospitalized Tuesday morning due to a heart-related medical emergency.
"We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love, and support that our family has received from the Southern Miss community, Mississippians, South Louisianians, friends, family and coaching colleagues across the country," the full statement reads. "We are so thankful for your support and hope to respond individually to each of you in time. We also want to commend the staff and physicians of Forrest General ER in Hattiesburg for their quick and professional attention that saved Jay's life.
"At this time, Coach is in great spirits and resting. Many of you have offered so much help, but right now the most important support that coach Ladner and our family needs is to see huge crowds and fan participation in the coming home games. Please support your Golden Eagles at Reed Green Coliseum over the next few weeks! Thank you all! To the top!"
Ladner, 58 and in his fifth season as the Golden Eagles' coach, was absent Wednesday night during Southern Miss basketball's 78-73 win over Old Dominion. Juan Cardona was the acting head coach and gave an emotional speech after the game on the impact Ladner has had on his life.
Luke Ladner, Jay's son who transferred from Loyola New Orleans to Southern Miss this season, was on the bench Wednesday, but did not dress.
The school has not addressed whether Ladner would be able to return this season.
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Southern Miss (13-11, 7-5 Sun Belt Conference) hosts Western Michigan (8-15, 5-6 MAC) on Saturday (1 p.m, ESPN+) in the MAC-SBC Challenge. It then plays four more games at Reed Green Coliseum during the next two weeks in the final home games of the season.
Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for The Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Southern Miss basketball: Jay Ladner update after heart emergency
