Iowa's Patrick McCaffery takes leave to address anxiety issues as father Fran offers support

Patrick McCaffery, a junior forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team and son of head coach Fran, is taking an indefinite leave from the team to address mental health issues.

As Iowa City native said in a statement, his anxiety has prevented him from properly preparing and performing for the Hawkeyes this season.

'It's not fair to myself or teammates to be on the court when I am not myself,' he said. 'The anxiety has affected my sleep, appetite, and stamina, which has resulted in not having the energy level necessary to compete at my full capabilities.'

Patrick McCaffery, a junior forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team and son of head coach Fran, is taking an indefinite leave from the team to address mental health issues

Patrick is the Hawkeyes' third-leading scorer at 12.8 points a game, but has struggled recently, as Iowa has dropped six of its last nine, including a historic upset defeat to Eastern Illinois on December 21. The Hawkeyes were 31.5-point favorites, but fell 92-83.

Patrick said he hopes to return when his mental health improves.

'It might be two games, it may be four games, it may be more, but I will return when I feel like myself,' the fourth-year forward said.

Patrick said the leave of absence is not related to his past battle with cancer. He was 13 when he was treated for thyroid cancer. He had two surgeries and was declared cancer-free three months after his diagnosis.

McCaffery said in an interview last month that the removal of his thyroid caused metabolic changes requiring him to pay close attention to his nutrition and sleep habits.

Fran McCaffery said the effects of his son's anxiety have become more noticeable on and off the court the past couple weeks.

'All of us admire his courage and willingness to be open about this struggle and we hope others know that they are not alone,' the coach said. 'We will be with him every step of the way.'

Iowa (8-6, 0-3 Big Ten) plays at home Thursday against No. 15 Indiana.

Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery (22) congratulates his father after his 500th coaching win after winning a college basketball game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes on December 8