Blood Clots Hospitalize Duquesne Player

Duquesne center Almany Thiero was hospitalized Friday for blood clots in his lungs, Dukes Coach Ron Everhart said.

School officials said Thiero checked himself into Pittsburgh’s Mercy Hospital after experiencing discomfort. It was not known how long he would remain hospitalized.

Our concern right now is with Al and his family, said Everhart. Fortunately, he got to the hospital in time for the proper tests to be run and he’s resting comfortably. I feel for Al because he is such a quality person who has fought through so much adversity in his career.

Thiero, a 6-foot-9, 255-pound graduate student, transferred to Duquesne last summer after completing his undergraduate degree at Memphis. He’s been hampered by a series of injuries, including arthroscopic surgery on his knee last October. He also missed the majority of the 2003-04 season because of blood clots, a Duquesne release said.

Thiero is one of five players to have seen action in each of the Dukes’ first 15 games. He is averaging 2.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game.