MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A scary episode transpired Monday night when 63-year-old Bob Huggins dropped to his knees during a timeout late in the first half, rendering the WVU Coliseum silent.
After consulting briefly with team trainer Randy Meador, the coach remained on his sideline stool for the final possession and returned for the second half.
“I talked to a couple people (at halftime), but I didn’t get hooked up to any machines or anything,” said Huggins, who suffered a near-fatal heart attack in 2002.
“I guess I got a little lightheaded, which I do when I stand up too fast sometimes. A lot of that is old age and a lot of it is some of the medication I take. I’m like 99.9 percent of other guys my age in America — I’ve got AFib.”
Huggins joked that he’s in good company considering West Virginia and NBA legend Jerry West also suffers from atrial fibrillation, a quivering or irregular heartbeat that affects more than 2.7 million Americans.
The veteran coach said his “defibrillator went off” and left him clutching at his chest.
Players and assistant coaches who summoned for medical staffers after Huggins wilted in the huddle were visibly relieved once the situation stabilized. Forward Nathan Adrian embraced Huggins twice before play resumed.
“That was hard,” said guard Jevon Carter. “I can’t even describe what it felt like. But then he came in and did the same halftime we always do. He was the same ol’ Huggs. I’m glad to see he’s OK.”
Only 17 days ago against Oklahoma State, Huggins drew a technical after protesting a call and falling to the floor. In Monday’s postgame news conference he grinned and said he was fortunate not to be T’d up again.
“I’m surprised I didn’t,” he said. “I’m actually shocked I didn’t.”