SOCIAL: Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook

California head basketball coach Mike Montgomery awoke from his surgical procedure on Wednesday just in time for his Bears to be named the No. 24 team in the nation in the preseason coaches poll.

The fourth-year Cal head coach underwent surgery on Wednesday, Oct. 19, and the planned procedure went as expected, according to doctors. Surrounded by family -- including assistant coach and son John Montgomery, the Bears' skipper was in good spirits and had his usual sense of humor following the operation.

Monty will be discharged from the hospital, today, and is expected to be out for a short recovery period. In his absence, assistant coaches Travis DeCuire and Jay John will run the team.