When Arizona basketball hosts Augustana in Monday night’s exhibition game at McKale, assistant coach Emanuel “Book” Richardson will be back on the sidelines assuming his regular duties. The Bronx, NY. native announced his return to the team Friday morning after a four-week leave of absence for health reasons.

“I’m happy and thankful to be returning to the team at this time. I want to thank Greg Byrne, Coach Miller and the entire University of Arizona family, as well as everyone who reached out to me during this time, for their support.” Richardson said in a press release. “I’d also like to thank my wife, Erin, and my children, Chasidy, Sere, Chanel, E.J. and Jaylen, for looking after me during my time at home. It’s great to be back, and I’m looking forward to a successful season.”

Head coach Sean Miller said he was thrilled to hear the good news and expressed the importance of Richardson to the team.

“We’re excited to have Coach Richardson back with our program,” Miller said in a press release. “His unique energy and enthusiasm are huge contributions to our program on a daily basis. We’re looking forward to him hitting the ground running as we prepare to play Augustana College.”

The team felt the lack of Richardson’s presence at practice.

“Coach ‘Book’ is one of those guys that brings energy every day, and without him there the gym felt a little more quiet. We obviously missed him, we’re just really happy to have him back and he’s a guy that’s gonna help us make a run at this thing this year,” junior T.J. McConnell said.