New Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Kennedy revealed on Thursday that he has an early stage of Parkinson’s disease, and he hopes to return to the court in the fall.

“At this time, I am heeding the advice of my doctors and addressing the disease and its symptoms. We have begun a long-term treatment plan and recovery. My doctors are encouraged and are telling me I will be able to come back soon,” he said.

Kennedy, 47, left Murray State at the end of last season. There’s no telling yet how the illness could affect Kennedy. But Texas A&M is standing behind him.

“Billy knows he can count on us and the Aggie network for support. I fully expect Billy to have a long and illustrious coaching career here in Aggieland when he is cleared to return to the court,” Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne said.

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