NCCU's Spence Released From Hospital, Resting At Home

DURHAM, NC -- A week after suffering a mild stroke, North Carolina Central University second year men's basketball head coach Phil Spence has been released from Rex Hospital and is resting in his Raleigh home.

Spence, 47, is attending physical therapy sessions in an attempt to regain full use of his left leg and arm. Dr. Charles Cook, Spence's primary physician, is optimistic about a complete recovery.

"I am quite pleased with his progress," said Cook. "He is making very good use of his time in physical therapy."

According to Dr. Cook, Spence is resting well at home, his blood pressure and other vitals are fine, his leg is at 90 to 95 percent (full strength and mobility), and he has increased movement in his upper arm. Cook added that the stroke did not affect Spence's mental capacity, saying "his spirits are great."

As far as a timetable for Spence's return to coaching the Eagle basketball team, Dr. Cook is taking a "wait and see" approach.

"I have very good confidence in his ultimate return," Cook said. "We'll have to wait and see how well he progresses. However, my overriding concern is not just this season, but the many seasons to come."