Connecticut basketball coach Jim Calhoun received a standing ovation as he returned to the sideline for Saturday’s contest against Pittsburgh.

The Hall of Fame coach is less than one week removed from having back surgery. Calhoun had noted that he wanted to return either against the Panthers or for the Big East Tournament on Tuesday in New York.

Calhoun hasn’t been behind the bench since taking a medical leave on Feb. 3.

The 69-year-old Calhoun underwent successful surgery on his spine Monday. A large disk fragment that had been pressing on the spinal nerve was removed during the two-hour procedure.

The team is 3-5 in Calhoun’s absence.