Iowa’s Patrick McCaffrey takes leave to address anxiety issues as father Fran offers support

Patrick McCaffrey, a junior forward for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball team and son of head coach Fran, will take indefinite leave from the team to address mental health issues.

As the 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 me or my teammates to be on the court when I’m not myself,” he said. “Anxiety has affected my sleep, appetite and stamina, resulting in not having the energy level to compete to the best of my ability.”

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

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

“It could be two games, it could be four games, it could be more, but I’ll be back 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 years old 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 that forced him to pay close attention to his nutrition and sleep habits.

Fran McCaffery said the effects of her son’s anxiety have become more noticeable on and off the field in the past two weeks.

“All of us admire their courage and willingness to be open about this fight and we hope that others know they are not alone,” said the coach. 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.