Nov. 29, 2000

SALT LAKE CITY - Utah coach Rick Majerus will miss the next five weeks to strengthen a surgically repaired knee.

Majerus traveled Monday to Las Vegas, where he plans to undergo a rigid two-week rehabilitation program. He's expected back on the bench after the new year, possibly when Long Beach State visits on Jan. 3.

In September, Majerus had surgery to repair torn cartilage.

"Had I taken the time to rehabilitate this properly earlier and not recruited and stayed off of my knee during practice, I probably would not have compounded the problem to the extent where it is now, which is quite severe," Majerus said.

Majerus, 52, didn't travel with the No. 18 Utes last week to the Puerto Rico Shootout because of pain and swelling in the knee. He also missed Tuesday night's game against Cardinal Stritch.

Assistant Dick Hunsaker handled head coaching duties in Puerto Rico and Tuesday against Cardinal Stritch. Hunsaker will continue in that role until Majerus returns.