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Missouri basketball assistant David “Dickey” Nutt revealed on Thursday that he has recently been diagnosed with cancer.
In a post on social media, Nutt said his team is optimistic that he’ll be able to make a full recovery after an early diagnosis. Nutt will begin chemotherapy treatment in Columbia next week.
“I have a great team of family, friends, colleagues, student-athletes, and doctors surrounding me,” Nutt said. “I want to encourage everyone to get regular screenings for early detection and to get educated on potential risks and warning signs.
“I look forward to returning to Mizzou Basketball and will be cheering the team on and scouting opponents until then. MIZ!”
— Coach Dnutt (@CoachDnutt) February 1, 2024
A veteran coach of more than 30 years, Nutt joined Mizzou’s staff in 2022 and helped the Tigers to a 13-win improvement over the previous season.
It’s not immediately clear if coach Dennis Gates will slide someone from his support staff up into Nutt’s role on an interim basis until his return. Other assistants on Gates’ bench include Charlton Young, Kyle Smithpeters, Ryan Sharbaugh, and Matt Cline.
The Tigers are 8-13 this season and are currently in the midst of a lengthy losing streak to open SEC play. They’re in Nashville on Saturday to battle Vanderbilt, and they return home the following Wednesday, Feb. 7, to host Texas A&M.
Missouri shared support for Nutt on social media, as did Gates and Desiree Reed-Francois, the school’s athletic director:
Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Nutt right now.
We look forward to you making a full recovery and returning to the sideline soon #MIZ ? https://t.co/wHT0FGecQ1
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) February 1, 2024
With you every step of the way coach! We love you! https://t.co/9NhMAC9qSh
— Dennis Gates (@coachdgates) February 1, 2024
An absolute true gentleman with the most incredible heart…
Coach Nutt you are in our prayers.
We fight along side of you. #MIZ #CancerSucks https://t.co/ijIv04qcR7— DR_Francois (@DRFrancois1) February 1, 2024
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.