Jack McCaffery, a 20-year-old American college basketball player at the University of Richmond, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphatic system. The 6-foot-9 forward has stepped away from basketball indefinitely to receive medical treatment in Philadelphia. His diagnosis, announced on November 8, 2026, has drawn attention across college basketball, particularly because of his family’s longstanding connection to the sport.
McCaffery, who previously played for Butler University, is receiving specialist care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. His family, coaches, and teammates have expressed support as he focuses on treatment and recovery.
Who Is Jack McCaffery?
Jack McCaffery is an American college basketball forward who joined the Richmond Spiders in April 2026. He previously represented the Butler Bulldogs during the 2025–26 season.
Born into a basketball family, McCaffery grew up in Iowa City, where his father, Fran McCaffery, spent 15 seasons coaching the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The young forward established himself as a promising high school prospect before beginning his college career.
At 20 years old, McCaffery is considered a talented player with the size, shooting ability, and versatility to compete at the collegiate level.
Cancer Diagnosis
Jack McCaffery was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November 2026, shortly before beginning his first season with Richmond.
According to reports published on November 8, he underwent an initial medical evaluation through Richmond’s healthcare team before returning to Philadelphia for additional examinations.
Doctors subsequently identified Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in the body’s immune defenses.
Following the diagnosis, Richmond announced that McCaffery would take an indefinite medical leave from basketball.
The decision allows him to prioritize his health without the immediate demands of training, traveling, or competitive games.
Health Update
As of November 10, 2026, the latest reported information indicates that McCaffery is receiving treatment through Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.
His care is being managed by medical specialists experienced in treating lymphoma.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is generally considered one of the more treatable forms of cancer, although individual outcomes depend on several medical factors.
Doctors have expressed optimism about the condition’s treatability, but McCaffery’s specific recovery timeline has not been publicly established.
There is currently no confirmed date for his return to basketball.
His immediate priority remains completing treatment and following medical guidance.
Richmond Career
McCaffery transferred to the University of Richmond in April 2026, joining head coach Chris Mooney’s basketball program.
The move offered him an opportunity to continue developing his college career after a difficult freshman season at Butler.
At 6 feet 9 inches tall, McCaffery brings valuable height and offensive potential to the forward position.
However, he had not appeared in a game for Richmond during the 2026–27 season before his medical leave was announced.
Mooney and members of the Richmond basketball program have maintained contact with McCaffery and expressed their support during his treatment.
His future participation will depend on his health and medical clearance.
Butler Career
Before transferring to Richmond, Jack McCaffery played for Butler University during the 2025–26 basketball season.
His freshman campaign was unexpectedly shortened by a serious medical complication unrelated to his recent cancer diagnosis.
In December 2025, an infected wisdom tooth caused severe complications that required emergency surgery.
The resulting health problems contributed to significant weight loss and prevented him from completing the season.
Despite limited playing time, McCaffery appeared in nine games, averaging 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds.
His experience at Butler demonstrated his determination to continue playing despite major physical setbacks.
High School
McCaffery developed his basketball reputation at Iowa City West High School in Iowa.
He emerged as one of the state’s leading prospects and earned recognition for his scoring ability, rebounding, and overall development.
During his senior season, he averaged 21.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
His performances earned him the prestigious Iowa Gatorade State Player of the Year award.
Recruiting service 247Sports also recognized him as a four-star prospect and ranked him among the top 150 players in the 2025 recruiting class.
These achievements helped establish his reputation before entering college basketball.
Parents
Jack McCaffery is the youngest son of Fran McCaffery and Margaret McCaffery.
His father is a respected American basketball coach who led the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2010 to 2025.
Fran subsequently became the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Pennsylvania.
Growing up around college basketball gave Jack early exposure to competitive athletics, coaching strategies, and the responsibilities associated with the sport.
His mother, Margaret, has also been an important part of the family’s basketball journey.
Brothers
Basketball runs throughout the McCaffery family.
Jack’s older brother, Patrick McCaffery, played college basketball at Iowa and Butler.
Patrick also faced a serious health challenge during his teenage years when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 14.
He underwent treatment and later returned to competitive basketball.
Another older brother, Connor McCaffery, played college basketball at Iowa before moving into coaching.
Connor has worked as an assistant coach with the Noblesville Boom, continuing the family’s involvement in professional basketball.
The brothers’ experiences have made the McCaffery family familiar to college basketball followers.
Team Support
Richmond head coach Chris Mooney and members of the basketball program have supported McCaffery following his diagnosis.
The situation has also attracted attention from fans familiar with his father’s coaching career and his brothers’ basketball backgrounds.
Although his absence affects Richmond’s roster, the program’s immediate concern is his well-being.
No official timetable has been announced for his return to practice or competition.
Final Thoughts
Jack McCaffery’s cancer diagnosis has interrupted a promising college basketball career, but his immediate focus is on treatment and recovery. After overcoming a serious medical setback during his freshman year at Butler, the Richmond forward now faces another significant health challenge.
With specialist medical care in Philadelphia and support from his family and basketball community, McCaffery is concentrating on his health. Further updates about his treatment and possible return to the court will depend on his medical progress and official announcements.
