USF women's basketball coach Jose Fernandez, sidelined since Monday by severe abdominal pains, has been admitted to a Tampa hospital and will not be able to coach in Friday's season opener against Florida A&M.

Associate head coach Jeff Osterman will serve as interim coach until Fernandez is healthy enough to return to the team. He was admitted Wednesday night for tests and observation, and it's unknown how long he will be away from the team.

"Speaking on behalf of our women's basketball program, our staff and the extended USF athletics family, our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Fernandez and his recovery," Osterman said in a statement Thursday night. "Our main concern is the well-being of Coach and getting back on the sidelines healthy."

USF had planned to unveil a banner Friday commemorating the Bulls' WNIT championship last season, but that ceremony has been postponed until a later date when Fernandez is back with the team.