ASHEVILLE, N.C. — UNC Asheville's Kenny George has returned to Chicago after spending three months in the hospital following surgery to amputate part of his right foot because of a staph infection.

The Ashville Citizen-Times reported Tuesday the 7-foot-9, 375-pound center plans to return to school to complete his degree in mass communications. He underwent surgery after contracting MRSA, a staph infection resistant to antibiotics.

Asheville coach Eddie Biedenbach (BEED'-in-bahk) said George was released from a hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, on Nov. 20 and is back in Chicago. George and his parents have declined comment since he was hospitalized.

George was named Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead the Bulldogs to a conference title and a school record 23-10 mark last season. He blocked a school-record 93 shots.