Camby Expected to Be Out Two Weeks

Marcus Camby, the Massachusetts star center who collapsed minutes before Sunday’s game against St. Bonaventure, said he felt “100%” Monday as he was transferred from a New York hospital to one in Massachusetts.

Camby, expected to be sidelined about two weeks, will remain at University of Massachusetts Center Hospital in Worcester until more extensive tests are completed. Tests so far have shown no heart abnormalities.

Doctors are optimistic Camby will make a full recovery but are at a loss to explain why he fainted in an arena corridor after pregame warmups.

James Ralph, the team physician, said at a news conference that preliminary tests on Camby were normal. Tests administered included an echo cardiogram, blood work, CT scan, brain MRI and spinal tap.

“Any circumstance like this is unsettling to everyone, that’s why they are going to do every conceivable test,” Ralph said, adding he was particularly troubled Camby was unresponsive for 10 minutes after fainting.

Ralph, though, was optimistic.

“We are thankful for the favorable initial reports and look forward to having Marcus rejoin the team as soon as possible, doing what he enjoys and does so well,” Ralph said.

Camby said “I’m fine, I feel great,” before he left Olean, N.Y.

Ralph added it was possible Camby’s collapse may have been similar to that of former UMass player Mike Williams, who passed out on the court in January, 1994, suffering from what was later determined as a respiratory infection and dehydration.

Williams was cleared to play two weeks later.

Coach John Calipari said Camby was taking an over-the-counter cough medicine for a chest cold.

“What we hope is that he was sick, taking [cough medicine], didn’t have a good breakfast, he got light-headed and hit the floor,” Calipari said.

Although the early findings were promising, Calipari said he would not rush Camby back to the top-ranked Minutemen.

“My concern is that he is in no imminent danger,” Calipari said. “He’s going to live. Basketball at this point, I could really care less.”

Camby, a 6-foot-11 junior, is one of the nation’s premier centers and a likely NBA lottery pick if he forgoes his senior season.

* The Associated Press contributed to this story.